draw straws
verb1
To decide at random by drawing (selecting randomly between) straws, sticks, etc., one of which differs from the others (typically by being shorter), held in a person's hand so as to conceal which is the different one. Typically, whoever draws the short straw must complete some undesirable task. Alternatively, whoever draws the longest straw gets a desired position.
- They drew straws to see who had to wash the dishes.
- We drew straws, and today's my day to go to school. We're all taking turns so we each only go once a week.1990 January 23, Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes (comic):
2
Broadly To decide by any means of chance.
- Related terms
- cast lots, draw lots, draw the short straw