short straw
Loser's random selection
The short straw is the unlucky outcome in a method of random selection where one person draws a straw shorter than the others.
To draw the short straw is to be the one chosen for an unwanted task or unlucky fate: I drew the short straw, so I have to clean up after the party.
The phrase extends to any situation where someone ends up with the worst deal.
- unluckyProne to misfortune
- loserDefeated competitor
- drawCreate with pencil
- lotLarge amount or portion
- chosenSelected from alternatives
fate · luck of the draw · bad luck · tough break · raw deal · random · pick · last pick · bundle · hay · chance · random selection · selection · unfortunate · worst case · task · chore · duty
short strawlong straw
Favorable selection result
winning ticket · jackpot · golden ticket · lucky break · lucky draw
short strawfirst choice
Most preferred option
pick of the litter · prize · cream of the crop · sweet deal · top pick
short, straw, shorter, shortest, shorten, shortened, shortening, shortly, shortness