draw straws

Idioms

Also, draw lots. Decide by a lottery using straws of different lengths. For example, Let's draw straws to see who will write the first draft. The lots version dates from the 1400s, whereas straws dates from the 1800s. Both have replaced the still older draw cuts. Another variant is draw the short straw, meaning to be the one so selected for a particular task.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

This is merely an anecdote; please do not have your tweens draw straws to determine who sleeps in the car.

From Slate • Feb. 3, 2020

"We're not going to draw straws and say one guy's out of the rotation, but we're going to have to find a way to get everybody their innings."

From US News • Aug. 24, 2016

First, when there’s a tie vote, it’s fairer to have a second election than to draw straws for a winner.

From Washington Times • Nov. 25, 2015

“Boris invited me to come to London to ride a tandem, so I shall be coming. The only question is who will be in front. I think we will have to draw straws on that.”

From The Guardian • Jul. 3, 2015

It was decided that they would draw straws and the winner would get to be the first one to ask the oracle a question.

From "The Egypt Game" by Zilpha Keatley Snyder

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023