Draw the short straw

usgb
verb

To have to do something unpleasant or receive the least desirable outcome in a situation, because of bad luck or by random selection.

In our hiking group, John always seems to draw the short straw and ends up carrying the heaviest bag.
Visual representation of "draw the short straw" - To have to do something unpleasant or receive the least desirable outcome in a situation, because of bad luck or by random selection.

Often appears as...

  • seems to draw the short straw
  • often draw the short straw

Usage tips

Informal

Idiomatic, Colloquial

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "draw the short straw"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Idiomatic Usage

Used in informal situations, often to express sympathy or commiserate with someone's misfortune.

Illustration for Idiomatic Usage
At the party, I drew the short straw and had to do the dishes.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Randomness Highlighted

Emphasizes that the outcome was left to chance, and not a deliberate choice.

Illustration for Randomness Highlighted
We couldn't decide who should go first, so we drew straws, and I drew the short straw.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Unpleasant Tasks

Often refers to being selected for a task that is least desirable or more difficult than others.

Illustration for Unpleasant Tasks
Since I drew the short straw, I have to work the late shift.
Visual representation of the word "Draw the short straw"

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