[Idiom] DRAW THE SHORT STRAW. - When Luck Isn’t on Your Side: Understanding Chance

Be unlucky in choice.

Draw the short straw" is used metaphorically to describe situations where someone ends up with the least desirable outcome among a group, often based on random choice or luck. This idiom comes from a method of decision-making where straws of different lengths are used, and the person who picks the shortest straw loses or bears an undesirable task.

Example Sentences

1. She drew the short straw.

   She ended up with the least favorable outcome.

2. Everyone seemed relieved except Jamie, who drew the short straw and had to work the late shift.

   Everyone felt relieved but Jamie, who had the misfortune of being assigned the late shift.

3. In unfortunate luck, Tim drew the short straw and ended up being responsible for cleaning up after the party.

   Unfortunately for Tim, he was assigned the task of cleaning up after the party.