DRAW STRAWS Meaning and
Definition
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"Draw straws" is a idiomatic expression that refers to a method of making a random selection or determining the outcome of a situation by using straws of varying lengths. In this context, "draw" means to randomly select or pick, and "straws" refer to thin tubular objects made of various materials such as plastic, paper, or grass.
Typically, in the process of drawing straws, each participant holds one end of a straw, concealing its length from others, while the other end is kept in a bunch or concealed. The participants then simultaneously or in a predetermined order pull or "draw" the straws towards them or unfold them. The person who ends up with the shortest straw is often considered the "loser" or the one who has to perform a task, make a sacrifice, or accept an undesirable outcome.
"Draw straws" is commonly used as a fair and impartial method to decide between several individuals, especially when no other criteria or preference can be applied. It is often employed in situations where outcomes need to be determined without bias, such as selecting a team captain, determining the order of play, or assigning duties to members of a group.
The phrase "draw straws" is also used metaphorically to describe situations where chance, luck, or fate have a significant role in deciding a course of action or outcome, even when no physical straws are involved.
Common Misspellings for DRAW STRAWS
- sraw straws
- xraw straws
- craw straws
- fraw straws
- rraw straws
- eraw straws
- deaw straws
- ddaw straws
- dfaw straws
- dtaw straws
- d5aw straws
- d4aw straws
- drzw straws
- drsw straws
- drww straws
- drqw straws
- draq straws
- draa straws
- dras straws
- drae straws
Etymology of DRAW STRAWS
The phrase "draw straws" originated from a traditional method of making a random decision or determining a selection. It involves participants randomly choosing or selecting straws to determine a winner or assign an order. The etymology of the phrase itself is fairly straightforward.
The verb "draw" in this context means to "select" or "choose", while the noun "straws" refers to the thin tubes or stems of dried plants, often wheat or rye, used in this process. When people draw straws, they each take a straw, usually of varying lengths, and the person with the shortest straw is typically designated as the winner or assigned a certain task or position.
The practice predates the phrase itself and has been used since at least the 17th century. The phrase "draw straws" was first recorded in English in the early 19th century, but the specific origin or details of its development are unclear.
Idioms with the word DRAW STRAWS
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draw straws (for something)
The idiom "draw straws (for something)" refers to a method of making a random decision or deciding something by using straws of different lengths. Each person involved in the decision takes hold of or randomly chooses a straw, and the person with the shortest or longest straw (depending on the predetermined rule) is selected or assigned a particular task or outcome. It is often used to determine who will perform an undesirable task or to establish a fair and impartial process.
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draw straws for sth
The idiom "draw straws for sth" means to decide or determine something by randomly selecting a person or group of people using straws of different lengths, with the shortest straw indicating the chosen person or group. It is typically used when there are multiple options or possibilities and a random selection method is required to make a decision.
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draw straws for
The idiom "draw straws for" means to decide or determine something by assigning or choosing randomly, typically using straws of different lengths. It implies making a fair and equal selection by chance or luck.
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draw straws
To decide randomly or by chance, often among a group of people, by each selecting a straw of varying length, with the shortest one indicating the chosen person or outcome.
Similar spelling word for DRAW STRAWS
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