Cast/set somebody adrift

verb

To make someone or something float without direction in water.

The sailors were cast adrift in the ocean after their ship sank.
Visual representation of "cast/set somebody adrift" - To make someone or something float without direction in water.

Often appears as...

  • cast adrift in the sea
  • cast adrift in the ocean
verb

To leave someone in a situation without help or support.

After losing his job, he felt as though he'd been cast adrift by society.
Visual representation of "cast/set somebody adrift" - To leave someone in a situation without help or support.

Often appears as...

  • cast adrift by society
  • cast adrift in life

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

To make someone or something float without direction in water.

The sailors were cast adrift in the ocean after their ship sank.
Visual representation of "cast/set somebody adrift" - To make someone or something float without direction in water.

Often appears as...

  • cast adrift in the sea
  • cast adrift in the ocean
verb

To leave someone in a situation without help or support.

After losing his job, he felt as though he'd been cast adrift by society.
Visual representation of "cast/set somebody adrift" - To leave someone in a situation without help or support.

Often appears as...

  • cast adrift by society
  • cast adrift in life

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "cast/set somebody adrift"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Literal Meaning

Used in a literal sense when someone or something is left floating without guidance.

Illustration for Literal Meaning
The damaged boat was cast adrift by the storm.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative Use

Often used metaphorically to describe being without direction in life or a project.

Illustration for Figurative Use
When the leader left, the team felt cast adrift.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Isolation Feeling

Can convey a sense of loneliness or being abandoned in various situations.

Illustration for Isolation Feeling
Without my phone, I felt cast adrift in the city.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Literal Meaning

Used in a literal sense when someone or something is left floating without guidance.

Illustration for Literal Meaning
The damaged boat was cast adrift by the storm.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative Use

Often used metaphorically to describe being without direction in life or a project.

Illustration for Figurative Use
When the leader left, the team felt cast adrift.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Isolation Feeling

Can convey a sense of loneliness or being abandoned in various situations.

Illustration for Isolation Feeling
Without my phone, I felt cast adrift in the city.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Literal Meaning

Used in a literal sense when someone or something is left floating without guidance.

Illustration for Literal Meaning
The damaged boat was cast adrift by the storm.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Figurative Use

Often used metaphorically to describe being without direction in life or a project.

Illustration for Figurative Use
When the leader left, the team felt cast adrift.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Isolation Feeling

Can convey a sense of loneliness or being abandoned in various situations.

Illustration for Isolation Feeling
Without my phone, I felt cast adrift in the city.
Visual representation of the word "Cast/set somebody adrift"

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