Cast an eye over
Meaning
To quickly look at something or someone, often to check or review it briefly.
Origin
The verb "cast" carries a rich history, rooted in Old Norse "kasta" meaning to throw. For centuries, English speakers have "cast" many things: nets into the sea, votes in an election, and even spells into the air. By the 17th century, this dynamic sense of directing or dispatching something was applied to the human gaze. To "cast an eye over" something vividly conjured the image of a quick, almost fleeting toss of one's vision, a brief direction of attention rather than a deep inspection. This nimble imagery quickly cemented its place in the language as a polite and efficient way to ask for a swift review or a momentary glance.
Examples
- Could you please cast an eye over my report before I submit it?
- The supervisor promised to cast an eye over the new employee's work to ensure everything was up to standard.