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Region: General | Usage example: The smaller team got the short end of the stick.

Short end of the stick

Meaning

Receiving the worst part of a deal.

Usage

Used when someone is disadvantaged.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Card games where shorter sticks lost.

British English idiom from the 17th century.

Related Idioms

Make a long story short

Summarize briefly.

Stick to your guns

Refuse to change your opinion.

Carrot and stick

Combining reward and punishment to motivate.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.