short straw
Britishnoun
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
But experts contacted by AFP said Ecuador may draw the short straw in its standoff with Colombia, whose ministry of mines and energy announced a suspension of "international electricity transactions" with the neighboring country.
From Barron's • Jan. 22, 2026
ITV entertainment reporter Ross King told his dance partner Jowita Przystal "you drew the short straw" when it was revealed they would be dancing together on Saturday.
From BBC • Sep. 20, 2025
Many so-called night people feel that, when it comes to society's expectations about when the workday should start, they drew the short straw.
From Salon • Apr. 6, 2022
Four teams are idle, as the Colts, Dolphins, Patriots and Eagles all drew the short straw with the latest off weeks of the season.
From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 6, 2021
“I just got on a master’s bad side. He made sure I drew the short straw for this little trip.”
From "The Name of the Wind" by Patrick Rothfuss
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
