draw straws
Choose by chance
Draw straws is a method of random selection where each participant pulls a straw from a concealed bunch—whoever gets the shortest straw loses or is chosen for an unwanted task.
The phrase extends to any random or arbitrary decision-making process: We drew straws to see who would tell the boss the bad news.
Chance affecting outcomes
- fatePredetermined course of events
- oddsLikelihood expressed numerically
- probabilityQuantified chance of occurrence
- gambleStake on uncertain outcome
risk · uncertainty · fortune · random · arbitrary · unpredictable · toss-up · lot-casting
Defeated competitor
- unluckyProne to misfortune
- sacrificeGiving up something precious
- volunteerUnpaid willing participant
- scapegoatUnfairly blamed person
chore · duty · burden · obligation · nomination
Randomized prize distribution
- pickPointed breaking tool
- chooseSelect from alternatives
- decideReach a conclusion
- designateFormally select or name
assign · elect · nominate · volunteer · delegate · determine · settle · select
Showing no preference
- unbiasedFree from prejudice
- democraticGovernment by the people
- equitableJust and unbiased
- neutralNot favoring any side
luck
Chance affecting outcomes
- fatePredetermined course of events
- oddsLikelihood expressed numerically
- probabilityQuantified chance of occurrence
gamble · risk · uncertainty · fortune · random · arbitrary · unpredictable · toss-up · lot-casting · happenstance
loser
Defeated competitor
scapegoat · chore · duty · burden · obligation · nomination
lottery
Randomized prize distribution
designate · assign · elect · nominate · volunteer · delegate · determine · settle · select · method
impartial
Showing no preference
- unbiasedFree from prejudice
- democraticGovernment by the people
- equitableJust and unbiased
neutral · just · transparent
- risk phrasestake a chance, take a gamble, risk it all, go for broke, roll the dice
draw strawsvote
Formal choice expression
deliberate · appoint · elect · weigh options · debate
draw strawsvolunteer
Unpaid willing participant
take charge · step forward · assert oneself · raise one's hand · seize control
draw, straw, draws, drew, drawn, drawing, drawings, drawl, straws