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Draw the Short Straw

What Does "Draw the Short Straw" Mean?

homeidiomsDraw the Short Straw
"Draw the short straw" is an English idiom. It means "to be selected or end up with the least desirable option."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "draw the short straw" used in a sentence:
  • I drew the short straw and had to work the weekend shift.
  • Of all the cars available, he drew the short straw and got the oldest one.
  • When it came to room assignments, she felt she drew the short straw.
meaning for draw the short straw

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Draw the Short Straw" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

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