short end of the stick
Unfair portion received
The short end of the stick is an unfair or disadvantageous outcome in a deal or situation.
When something is divided unequally, whoever gets the short end receives less than their share: Workers always seem to get the short end of the stick when contracts are negotiated.
The phrase implies being cheated or shortchanged, whether by circumstance or by someone else's design.
- raw dealUnjust treatment received
- downsideDisadvantage of something
- wrong sideIncorrect position or aspect
- rip-offGrossly overpriced exchange
- shaftNarrow vertical passage
bad deal · disadvantage · bum rap · tough break · inequity · underdog · exploitation · oppression · marginalization · disparity · unfairness · injustice · bad luck · misfortune · hard done by · maltreatment · setback · hardship
short end of the sticklion's share
Greatest part of total
upper hand · sweet deal · winning hand · advantage · sweetheart deal
short end of the sticklucky break
Unforeseen favorable occurrence
stroke of luck · good fortune · blessing · godsend · jackpot
short, shorter, shortest, shortly, shortness, shorten, shortened, shortening, ending