Definition, Meaning & Synonyms
draw-the-short-straw
idiom
/drɔː ðə ʃɔːt strɔː/
Definition
To be selected or chosen in a random manner, typically resulting in an undesirable outcome.
Examples
- In the office, we had to draw the short straw to see who would work the weekend shift.
- When it came time to choose which one of us would stay behind, I was worried that I would draw the short straw.
- They decided to draw the short straw to determine who would go skydiving first.
Meaning
The phrase originates from a method of decision-making, where individuals take turns drawing straws of varying lengths. The person who draws the shortest straw usually faces an unpleasant task or situation.
Synonyms
- be the unlucky one
- face the consequences
- take the brunt
- get the short end of the stick
