draw straws Definition

straw
noun

1a. The parts of cereal crops that remain after threshing, which may be ploughed back into the soil, burned as stubble or used as litter or feedstuff for animals, for thatching and weaving into hats, baskets, etc;


Example: a straw boater
2. A single stalk of dried grass or cereal crop.
3. A thin hollow tube for sucking up a drink.
4. Anything that has little or no value.
5a. A pale yellow colour;


Example: straw-coloured

Derivative: strawlike
adj

Derivative: strawy
adj

Idiom: clutch at straws (grasp at straws)

To resort to an alternative option, remedy, etc in desperation, even although it is unlikely to succeed.

Derivative: the last straw

See separate entry.

Idiom: draw straws

To decide on something by the chance picking of straws, one of which is significantly longer or shorter than the rest.

Idiom: draw the short straw (get, pick etc the short straw)

To be the person chosen to carry out an unpleasant task, etc.

Idiom: a straw in the wind

A tantalizing hint or indication of something.

Etymology: Anglo-Saxon streaw.