draw straws

draw straws (third-person singular simple present draws straws, present participle drawing straws, simple past drew straws, past participle drawn straws)

1. 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.

   • 1990 January 23, Bill Watterson, Calvin & Hobbes (comic):

     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.

2. (by extension) To decide by any means of chance.

• cast lots
• draw lots
• draw the short straw