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Meaning of draw straws | Babel Free

Verb CEFR B2

Definitions

  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.
  2. To decide by any means of chance.
    broadly

Equivalents

Deutsch losen Stöckchen ziehen Stöckchen ziehen Streichhölzer ziehen Streichhölzer ziehen
Suomi vetää pitkää tikkua
Français tirer à la courte paille

Examples

“They drew straws to see⟳ who had to wash⟳ the dishes.”
“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.”

CEFR level

B2
Upper Intermediate
This word is part of the CEFR B2 vocabulary — upper intermediate level.
See all B2 English words →

See also

draw stumps draw the cloth draw the curtains draw the line draw the long bow draw the longbow

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