Pronunciation: [dɹˈɔːɪŋ stɹˈɔːz] (IPA) 
The phrase "drawing straws" is often used to describe a method of making a decision. But have you ever wondered about its spelling? The word "drawing" is pronounced /ˈdrɔːɪŋ/, with the "aw" sound like in "paw". Meanwhile, "straws" is pronounced /strɔːz/, with the "aw" sound again and the "s" at the end pronounced like a "z". So, the correct spelling and pronunciation of the phrase is "drawing straws". Now you know!
Drawing straws is a common idiomatic expression, referring to a method used to make a random selection or decision within a group of people. The term comes from the practice of using straws, typically of varying lengths, as a means of selecting the person who will undertake a particular task, make a choice, or assume a responsibility. This method is often employed when there are multiple candidates or individuals hesitant to volunteer or take the lead.
The process of drawing straws usually involves each participant or potential candidate taking a straw from a bunch, with one or more of the straws being marked or cut shorter than the others. The person who selects the shortest straw is then designated or chosen to fulfill the assigned duty, make the decision, or undertake the responsibility at hand. The length of the straws is typically concealed, so participants have equal chances of drawing a shorter straw, ensuring fairness in the selection process.
The term "drawing straws" is widely used figuratively to describe situations where a random or impartial method is employed to determine a course of action or select a person. It signifies an egalitarian approach in decision-making and is often employed in casual settings or informal groups when a consensus cannot be reached or a decision needs to be made swiftly. Drawing straws is seen as a fair and non-biased method, providing an element of chance and removing personal biases that might influence the selection process.
The phrase "drawing straws" originates from a traditional method of making a random selection or decision. The etymology of this phrase can be traced back to the act of drawing long or short straws. The practice was believed to have emerged in the 17th century in England.
In this process, individuals would hold several straws, with either one straw being longer or shorter than the others. These straws were usually of similar lengths, so the difference was not easily noticeable. People would then simultaneously draw or pull a straw from a bundle, concealed in their hands, without knowing its length. The person who drew the short straw would be the one chosen or assigned a particular task or outcome.
The use of "drawing straws" as a saying originated from this old practice, which eventually became a metaphor for making an impartial or unbiased selection.
