Draw the short straw Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To be chosen by chance to do an unpleasant or unwanted task. It refers to a situation where people randomly select who will get the worst or most difficult job.
Usage & Nuances
This is an idiom used informally. Often used in group situations for random assignment of an undesirable task. Can be replaced with 'get stuck with' or 'be the unlucky one.' Sometimes 'straw' is replaced with other objects but the meaning stays the same.
Example Sentences
Nobody wanted to clean the bathroom, so I drew the short straw.
basic
When we decided who would work on Saturday, Tom drew the short straw.
basic
She drew the short straw and had to do the presentations alone.
basic
Looks like I've drawn the short straw again—someone always makes me do the boring jobs!
natural
If you draw the short straw, you have to drive everyone home tonight.
natural
No one likes taking out the trash, so we just draw the short straw every week to decide.
natural