draw straws

Idioms and Phrases

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

No. She may enter the annual Balthazar rotation, but draw straws this year to see who gets to go first.

From New York Times

Or if there are three of you in a flat and you all have your own love interests, it could be a time to draw straws.

From BBC

The moderates could draw straws — again, not likely.

From Washington Post

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

From Slate

Low on staff, we had to draw straws to decide who would work the first night shift.

From Washington Post