What Good Comes from 'Casting a Wide Net'?

To cast a wide net is an expression that probably comes from fishing.

「撒下大網」這個表達法可能源自捕魚。

For some types of fishing, you attach a hook to a line on a fishing pole.

對於某些類型的捕魚，你會將鉤子綁在釣竿的線上。

Then you cast the hook into the water.

接著你將鉤子拋入水中。

This will only catch one fish.

這只能抓到一條魚。

However, casting a net into the water can catch many fish.

然而，將漁網拋入水中可以抓到許多魚。

When you cast a wide net, you might search a wider area, or you might aim to catch something bigger.

當你撒下大網時，你可能會搜尋更廣的範圍，或者目標是捕捉更大的東西。

For example, if someone looks for a partner, he might cast a wide net by searching the world.

例如，如果有人在尋找伴侶，他可能會透過搜尋全世界來撒下大網。

He might be willing to move anywhere; he would have no limits to where he might go.

他可能願意搬到任何地方；他對自己去哪裡沒有任何限制。

People who cast a wide net want to have many choices or options.

撒下大網的人希望擁有許多選擇或選項。

They broaden their search or widen the qualities they are willing to accept.

他們擴大搜尋範圍，或放寬願意接受的條件。

There are many related expressions that describe similar ideas.

有許多相關表達法描述類似的意思。

One is to cast your net wide.

其中一個是「把網撒得寬一點」。

Others include considering all options or exploring all opportunities.

其他包括考慮所有選項或探索所有機會。

Casting a wide net also means you leave no stone unturned.

撒下大網也意味著不遺漏任何蛛絲馬跡。

You look thoroughly, you search high and low for what you want.

你會徹底搜尋，高處低處都找尋你想要的東西。

Now let's hear this expression used in two discussions.

現在讓我們聽聽這個表達法在兩個對話中的使用。

The first is at work.

第一個是在職場上。

So how's the search going for a web designer?

那麼，網頁設計師的徵才進行得如何？

Surprisingly, it's going slowly.

令人驚訝的是，進度很慢。

So far, only five applicants have responded to the job announcement.

目前為止，只有五名應徵者回應了這項職缺公告。

Five?

五個？

In this job market?

在這樣的就業市場中？

I thought resumes would have been pouring in.

我以為履歷應該會如雪片般湧入。

Well, I only sent the job advertisement to one employment agency.

嗯，我只將職缺廣告寄給了一家人力仲介公司。

That's not enough.

那還不夠。

We need to cast a really wide net this time.

這次我們需要真正撒下大網。

Right, I'm on it.

對，我馬上處理。

I'll be casting a really wide net today.

我今天會真正撒下大網。

Now let's hear two friends use the same expression.

現在讓我們聽聽兩位朋友如何使用同一個表達法。

So how is your online dating search going?

那麼，你的網路約會搜尋進行得如何？

Not well.

不太順利。

It's difficult to find the perfect partner.

很難找到完美的伴侶。

Well, no one is perfect.

嗯，沒有人是完美的。

What qualities are you looking for?

你尋找什麼樣的特質？

I'm looking for a person who is tall, one point nine meters or taller, with a good job, but not in politics or acting, and they must have a master's degree.

我在找一位身高一米九或以上、有穩定工作，但不從事政治或演藝行業，且必須擁有碩士學位的人。

Hmm, the height and job criteria might be a bit limiting.

嗯，身高和職業的條件可能有點太嚴格了。

Oh, I'm not done.

哦，我還沒說完。

They must also live within ten kilometers of me, love dogs, big dogs, and they can't be a smoker.

他們還必須住在我十公里以內，喜歡狗，尤其是大狗，而且不能吸菸。

Oh, they must be active outdoors, but especially with water skiing and rock climbing.

哦，他們還必須熱愛戶外活動，特別是滑水和攀岩。

Oh, and they must be a vegetarian.

哦，而且他們還必須是素食者。

I think if you want to meet more people and have more options, you may want to cast a wider net.

我想如果你想要認識更多人並有更多選擇，或許應該放寬標準。

Maybe you're right.

也許你說得對。

I know, I'll take off the dog criteria.

我知道了，我把關於狗的條件去掉吧。

If they like cats, I guess that's okay.

如果他們喜歡貓，我想那也沒關係。

Do you have a similar expression in your language?

你們的語言中有類似的說法嗎？

Let us know in the comments section, or send us an email at learningenglish@voanews. com.

請在評論區留言，或發送電子郵件至 learningenglish@voanews.com 告訴我們。

And that's all the time we have for this Words in Their Stories.

以上就是本期「故事中的單字」的全部内容。

Until next time, I'm Anna Matteo.

下次再見，我是安娜·馬特奧。