DRAWS STRAWS Meaning and
Definition
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The phrase "draws straws" is an idiomatic expression often used to describe a random selection process or decision-making method in which individuals or groups determine a specific outcome by choosing from a selection of straws or similarly shaped objects. The practice typically involves a number of straws being prepared, with one shorter or marked straw among the rest. Each participant then takes turns blindly selecting a straw, and the person who retrieves the marked or shorter straw is considered the chosen one for a particular task, privilege, or responsibility.
Drawing straws is commonly employed to establish impartiality, fairness, and equal opportunities among participants, as the selection is based completely on chance and the absence of preference or bias. The act of drawing straws often occurs when there is a need to designate someone for an undesired or uncertain duty, distribute resources or benefits equally, or determine the sequence or order of actions, such as taking turns or deciding an order of priority.
The phrase "draws straws" can also be used figuratively to depict a situation where multiple people are competing or vying for a particular opportunity, and the final selection is chosen by chance or luck rather than a specific criteria or deliberate decision. It emphasizes the unpredictable nature of the outcome, as it is determined purely by chance rather than personal qualifications or preferences.
Common Misspellings for DRAWS STRAWS
- draw straws
- sraws straws
- xraws straws
- craws straws
- fraws straws
- rraws straws
- eraws straws
- deaws straws
- ddaws straws
- dfaws straws
- dtaws straws
- d5aws straws
- d4aws straws
- drzws straws
- drsws straws
- drwws straws
- drqws straws
- draqs straws
- draas straws
- drass straws
Etymology of DRAWS STRAWS
The phrase "draws straws" has its origins in a popular method for making random decisions or determining the order of something. The etymology of this phrase can be traced back to the custom of using actual straws or pieces of straw for this purpose.
In earlier times, bundles of straws were commonly used as a way to select or vote on a choice. Each straw would be of the same length, but one of them would be shorter or different in some way. People would draw or pull out a straw from a bundle, and the person who happened to get the shorter one would be the chosen person or be assigned a specific task.
Over time, the physical straws themselves might have been replaced by other items, such as sticks or pieces of paper. However, the phrase "draws straws" persisted as a metaphorical expression for making a random selection.
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