draw straws

Verb

Meaning

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.

They drew straws to see who had to wash the dishes.

(by extension) To decide by any means of chance.

Source: en.wiktionary.org

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