How Do You Spell CAST LOTS?

Pronunciation: [kˈast lˈɒts] (IPA)

The phrase "cast lots" refers to a form of divination commonly used in ancient times. In IPA phonetic transcription, this phrase would be spelled /kæst lɒts/ with the /æ/ sound representing the short "a" sound in "cast" and the /ɒ/ sound representing the "o" sound in "lots". The spelling of "cast lots" is unique and cannot be deduced from the separate meanings of "cast" and "lots". This phrase continues to be used today, though more commonly in a figurative sense.

CAST LOTS Meaning and Definition

1. "Cast lots" is an idiomatic expression originating from ancient times which refers to a method of making decisions or assigning roles by drawing lots or using random chance. In this practice, various objects such as stones, sticks, or dice were usually marked or designated in a way that distinguished them from one another. These objects were then mixed together and randomly drawn, typically by shaking or throwing them, to determine the outcome.

   This process of casting lots was commonly employed to settle disputes, make judgments, or determine an individual's fate when a decision could not be reached through logical reasoning. It was believed that the outcome of casting lots was influenced by a higher power, such as a deity or divine will, and thus, the decision-making was considered fair and impartial.

   The term "cast lots" has metaphorically extended beyond its original application and is now used figuratively to describe any situation in which a random or chance-based method is employed to determine an outcome. It is often utilized to emphasize the element of unpredictability or to convey the idea of leaving a decision to fate rather than relying solely on human judgment.

   Overall, "cast lots" refers to the ancient practice of using chance or random selection to make decisions or assign roles, and it has since become a figurative expression describing any scenario involving the use of a random method to determine an outcome.

Common Misspellings for CAST LOTS

• cast lose
• xast lots
• vast lots
• fast lots
• dast lots
• czst lots
• csst lots
• cwst lots
• cqst lots
• caat lots
• cazt lots
• caxt lots
• cadt lots
• caet lots
• cawt lots
• casr lots
• casf lots
• casg lots
• casy lots
• cas6 lots

Etymology of CAST LOTS

The phrase "cast lots" originates from the practice of casting or throwing dice-like objects to make a decision or determine an outcome. The term "lots" refers to small items, usually stones or sticks, that were used in this process. The practice of casting lots dates back to ancient times and was commonly used for divination or decision-making in various cultures. It can be found in ancient Greek, Roman, and Hebrew texts, among others. Over time, the phrase "cast lots" came to be used figuratively to refer to any method of random selection or decision-making.

Idioms with the word CAST LOTS

• cast lots To cast lots means to choose or make a decision by random selection or by drawing straws, typically done as a way to determine a winner or make a choice when other methods are unavailable.
• draw/cast lots (for something/to do something) To draw/cast lots for something/to do something means to use a random method such as drawing straws or tossing a coin to make a decision or determine a result among a group of people.