draw the short straw

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiominformal

   To be the person who gets an unpleasant or unlucky task, especially when it is decided by chance.

   Grammar: Used as a verb phrase; often in the pattern 'draw the short straw and have to do something'.

   Patterns

   • draw the short straw
   • draw the short straw and have to do something
   • be the one who draws the short straw

   I drew the short straw and had to clean the bathroom.

   Someone has to work late, and I always draw the short straw.

   She drew the short straw, so she had to give the bad news to the client.

2. 2phraseidiominformal

   To be chosen by chance for something, often something no one wants.

   Grammar: Often used in the passive: 'I was the one who drew the short straw.'

   Patterns

   • draw the short straw
   • be the one who draws the short straw

   We all wanted to go, but I drew the short straw and stayed behind.

   He drew the short straw and got the smallest office.

Common combinations

draw the short straw and have to

I drew the short straw and had to work on Saturday.

be the one who draws the short straw

Of course, I was the one who drew the short straw.

draw the short straw this time

You drew the short straw this time, so you can pay.

Synonyms and how they differ

get the short end of the stick

Similar meaning, but often about being treated unfairly, not just getting an unpleasant task.

be unlucky

More general; 'draw the short straw' specifically means being chosen for something unpleasant.

Opposites

Commonly confused: draw the short straw or draw straws?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “draw the short straw”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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