What is draw a straw?

"Draw a straw" is a common idiomatic expression that refers to a method of randomly selecting a person for a task or responsibility. When multiple people are interested in performing a task or receiving a benefit, they will draw or choose a straw from a pile or container. The person who draws the shortest or the longest straw is usually the one selected for the task or reward.

Historically, drawing straws was a game played by ancient civilizations to resolve disputes and make decisions. Today, it is commonly used in a variety of situations, including selecting a speaker, choosing a team captain or determining who gets the first pick.

To draw a straw, people typically cut or gather a number of straws and then mark one or more of them differently, indicating the "winner." They are then mixed and shuffled before being held or stacked in a container or simply laid out. The participants each take turns selecting a straw until the marked straw is found. The person who draws the marked straw is the winner or loser, depending on the situation.