Get the short end of the stick

usgb
phrase

To receive less than one is due or to have an unfair disadvantage.

Her brother always gets the bigger piece of cake. She always seems to get the short end of the stick.
Visual representation of "get the short end of the stick" - To receive less than one is due or to have an unfair disadvantage.

Often appears as...

  • always get the short end of the stick
  • don't want to get the short end of the stick

Usage tips

Idiomatic

Definition 1 of 1
Visual representation of "get the short end of the stick"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Unfair Disadvantage

Use this phrase to express that someone is unfairly treated compared to others.

Illustration for Unfair Disadvantage
Despite working the hardest, he got the short end of the stick at the office.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Emotional Impact

This phrase often carries feelings of sympathy or disappointment for the person affected.

Illustration for Emotional Impact
After the team lost, the youngest player felt like she got the short end of the stick.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Colloquial Usage

It's casual and mostly used in spoken English or informal writing.

Illustration for Colloquial Usage
In our group projects, I always get the short end of the stick with the workload.
Visual representation of the word "Get the short end of the stick"

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