STRAW Meaning and
Definition
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A straw, in its simplest form, refers to a thin cylindrical tube, typically made of plastic or paper. It typically ranges in length from a few inches to a foot. Straws have become widely used for enabling efficient drinking, especially for beverages such as water, soft drinks, or cocktails. They are specifically designed with one end open to allow suction and the other end closed, in order to channel liquids directly into a person's mouth.
The modern version of straws is commonly made from plastic, particularly polypropylene, due to its durability and affordability. However, eco-friendly alternatives, such as paper, bamboo, or metal straws, have emerged to address concerns regarding environmental sustainability and the adverse effects of plastic waste on ecosystems.
Beyond their common drinking purpose, straws find practical applications in various contexts. They serve as a fundamental tool for arts and crafts projects, where they are used for blowing paint, creating unique patterns, or making creative sculptures. Moreover, straws have been employed in science experiments and engineering challenges to demonstrate principles of fluid dynamics or as a component for constructing models or prototypes.
Overall, straws are versatile and functional tools with various applications. While primarily associated with drinking, their range of uses extends beyond that. With the growing awareness about environmental issues, the exploration and utilization of alternative materials for straws are increasingly prevalent.
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• The stalks or stems of corn after being thrashed, as a bundle or heap of straw-usually in the singular form with a plural sense; a single stalk or straw; anything proverbially worthless.
• Made of straw, or consisting of it.
• To cover with straw; to strew, which see.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for STRAW *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for STRAW
Etymology of STRAW
The word "straw" originated from Old English "streaw", which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "*strawaz". This Proto-Germanic term gave rise to similar words in various Germanic languages, such as Old Norse "strá", Old High German "strō", and Middle Dutch "stro". The Proto-Germanic word itself is believed to be derived from the Proto-Indo-European root "*strew-", meaning "to strew" or "to spread out". Over time, the word "straw" has retained its basic meaning of the dried stalks of grain plants but has also come to refer to a wide range of similar plant materials used for various purposes.
Idioms with the word STRAW
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the last/final straw
The idiom "the last/final straw" refers to a situation or event that is the final, intolerable provocation or annoyance that leads to a drastic action or a breaking point. It describes the last in a series of negative occurrences that finally pushes someone over the edge, prompting them to take drastic measures or make a significant decision.
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the straw that broke the donkey's back
The idiom "the straw that broke the donkey's back" refers to a situation in which a seemingly minor or insignificant event or burden becomes the final and crucial factor that causes someone to reach their limit or breaking point. It implies that the accumulation of various small problems create an unbearable or overwhelming situation, leading to a significant consequence or reaction.
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make bricks without straw
The idiom "make bricks without straw" means to be expected to achieve a task or fulfill a duty without being provided with the necessary resources or means to do so. It originates from the biblical story where the Israelites were forced to make bricks for Pharaoh's building projects using straw as a binding material. However, Pharaoh later prohibited the Israelites from having straw while still demanding the same quota of bricks, making their task almost impossible. This phrase is now used figuratively to describe situations where someone is expected to produce or accomplish something without the necessary tools, materials, or assistance.
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be the final straw
The idiom "be the final straw" refers to the last event or action that causes a situation to become unbearable or intolerable. It suggests that after a series of frustrating or troublesome events, a particular occurrence becomes the tipping point or the decisive factor that leads to a significant change or reaction.
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the straw that breaks the camel's back
The idiom "the straw that breaks the camel's back" refers to a seemingly small or minor event or problem that becomes the final factor or stressor that causes an overloaded or overwhelmed situation to collapse or fail. It signifies that one more small burden or pressure can be enough to cause a catastrophic breakdown or failure, similar to how a single additional straw added to the already heavy load of a camel can cause its back to break.
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draw the short straw
The idiom "draw the short straw" means to be the unlucky or unfortunate one chosen or selected for a difficult, unpleasant, or disadvantageous task or situation. It is often used to describe a situation where one is randomly selected and ends up with the least desirable outcome or responsibility.
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the straw that breaks the camel’s back
The idiom "the straw that breaks the camel’s back" refers to a seemingly minor or insignificant addition or issue that ultimately causes an overwhelming or catastrophic reaction or outcome. It implies that a series of prior burdens or problems have already been endured, and the final, seemingly minor one becomes the tipping point or breaking point that leads to a collapse or failure.
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straw man
The idiom "straw man" refers to a rhetorical or argumentative technique where one person deliberately misrepresents or distorts another person's position or argument in order to weaken it or make it easier to attack. It involves presenting a weaker or exaggerated version of the opponent's viewpoint, rather than addressing their actual argument in a fair and objective manner. The term "straw man" suggests that such misrepresentation is as flimsy and easily knocked down as a man made out of straw.
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the final straw
The idiom "the final straw" refers to a situation or event that becomes intolerable or beyond endurance, leading to the culmination of a series of negative or burdensome experiences or factors. It represents the last or ultimate trigger that prompts a person to finally take action or make a decision.
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the last straw
The idiom "the last straw" refers to a situation or event that is the final annoyance or difficulty that makes one's patience or tolerance completely exhausted. It suggests that after enduring a series of burdens or hardships, the last straw is the tipping point that leads to a total breakdown or drastic action.
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you can't make bricks without straw
The idiom "you can't make bricks without straw" means that it is impossible to achieve something if you lack the necessary resources or materials. It suggests that in order to accomplish a task or goal, one needs the appropriate tools, ingredients, or prerequisites.
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the last (or final) straw
The idiom "the last (or final) straw" refers to a particular event or situation that becomes the final or ultimate trigger for someone, causing them to reach their limit or breaking point. It signifies the final act that tips the balance from tolerance or patience to a complete loss of patience or resignation.
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a straw in the wind
The idiom "a straw in the wind" refers to a small or insignificant sign or clue that suggests or predicts a larger or more significant event or outcome. It signifies a subtle indication or early indication of something that might happen in the future. It implies that even the smallest or seemingly trivial piece of evidence or information can provide valuable insight into the direction or outcome of a situation.
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the straw that broke the camel's back
The idiom "the straw that broke the camel's back" refers to a minor or seemingly insignificant event that, when added to a series of other similar events, causes a person or situation to reach a breaking point or a state of collapse. It implies that the cumulative burden or stress becomes too much to handle, leading to a final, decisive outcome.
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a drowning man will clutch at a straw
The idiom "a drowning man will clutch at a straw" means that a person who is in desperate or dire circumstances will grasp at any small chance or hope, no matter how unlikely or insignificant it may be, in an attempt to save themselves or find a solution.
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clutch at a straw
The idiom "clutch at a straw" means to desperately and blindly grasp at any available opportunity or solution, no matter how unlikely or insignificant, in a desperate attempt to avoid failure or disaster. It symbolizes the desperate actions of someone who is in a dire situation and is willing to try anything, even something as small as clutching at a floating straw, to find a way out.
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a man of straw
The idiom "a man of straw" refers to a person who is weak, lacking in courage, or easily manipulated. It suggests that the individual has no substance or strength, often being easily influenced or controlled by others.
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the straw that breaks the camel's back, at the final/last straw
The idiom "the straw that breaks the camel's back" or "the final/last straw" is used to describe a situation where a series of minor or tolerable events accumulate to the point where a small additional action or incident becomes the ultimate cause of a catastrophe or breakdown. The phrase signifies the critical point or threshold beyond which something that was already strained, overburdened, or unsustainable finally gives way or collapses.
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straw in the wind
The idiom "straw in the wind" refers to a small piece of evidence or a minor event that indicates or suggests a larger trend or outcome. It often signifies a preliminary sign or an early indication of what may happen in the future.
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straw that stirs the drink
The idiom "straw that stirs the drink" refers to a person or thing that is integral to the success, organization, or functioning of a particular group, project, or situation. It implies that without this person or thing, everything else would fall apart or not operate smoothly. This idiom often conveys the idea that the identified individual or element has significant influence or control over the outcome or direction of a certain endeavor.
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It is the last straw that breaks the camel's back
The idiom "It is the last straw that breaks the camel's back" is used to describe a situation where a small or seemingly insignificant event or action becomes the final or ultimate burden or stressor that causes someone to reach their breaking point or to become overwhelmed. This expression refers to the idea that, just like a camel carrying a heavy load, there is a limit to what someone can endure before they can no longer cope with the situation. The "last straw" represents the final event or problem that surpasses their capacity to manage.
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last straw
The idiom "last straw" is typically used to describe a situation or event that is the final or ultimate factor causing someone to become fed up, frustrated, or reach their limit. It refers to the last in a series of events or actions that ultimately becomes unbearable or intolerable.
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the final/last straw
The idiom "the final/last straw" refers to a circumstance or event that becomes unbearable or crosses a limit, causing one to reach a breaking point or take a decisive action. It implies that a series of minor or tolerable issues has built up, and the final straw is the one that causes an individual to not tolerate the situation any longer.
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straw boss
The idiom "straw boss" refers to a person who is given limited authority or a position of minor importance to supervise or oversee others, often as a middleman between workers and higher-level management. This term originated in the United States in the early 20th century when a "straw boss" would oversee and coordinate the work of laborers in fields by distributing straw hats to them. However, the straw boss did not have significant decision-making power or authority. Additionally, the idiom can also be used sarcastically or humorously to describe someone who asserts authority without actually having any real power.
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grasp (or clutch or catch) at a straw (or straws)
The idiom "grasp (or clutch or catch) at a straw (or straws)" means to desperately try any available option, no matter how unlikely or insignificant, in a situation of extreme difficulty or distress, in the hope that it might bring success or relief. It refers to the act of clutching onto a straw as a last resort, even though it holds very little strength or support.
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buy straw hats in winter
The idiom "buy straw hats in winter" means to engage in a task or take action at an inappropriate or impractical time, often resulting in a wasteful or foolish expenditure. It emphasizes the disregarding of relevant factors, such as timing, logic, or common sense.
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draw/get the short straw
The idiom "draw/get the short straw" means to be chosen or assigned the least desirable or favorable option among a group or selection of choices. It implies having to accept a burdensome or unpleasant task, duty, or outcome.
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the straw that breaks the donkey's back
The idiom "the straw that breaks the donkey's back" refers to a situation or event that appears insignificant or trivial but is ultimately the final, overwhelming burden or stressor that causes someone to reach their breaking point or lose their patience. It stems from the image of placing too much weight or adding one more straw onto a donkey's back, to the point where the animal can no longer bear the load.
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be the last straw
The idiom "be the last straw" means to be the final and decisive event, action, or task that becomes intolerable, unbearable, or unacceptable, leading to a breaking point or a significant negative consequence.
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grasp at a straw
The idiom "grasp at a straw" means to make a desperate attempt or effort to find a solution or achieve something, even if it is unlikely to succeed. It refers to a situation where someone is willing to try any possibility, no matter how weak or improbable, in the hope that it might lead to a favorable outcome.
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You cannot make bricks without straw.
The idiom "You cannot make bricks without straw" means that it is impossible to achieve a certain task or outcome without the necessary materials, resources, or tools. It implies that one cannot expect to accomplish something when essential components are missing or unavailable.
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called to straw
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last straw, the
The final small problem, setback, or annoyance that makes someone lose patience or reach a breaking point, often leading to a dramatic response or decision.
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bang straw
"Banging straw" means making a futile effort or attempt, often used when someone is trying to do something that is unlikely to succeed or is a waste of time.
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catch at (a) straw(s)
To desperately grasp at any possible opportunity, no matter how small or unlikely, in a difficult or hopeless situation.
Similar spelling words for STRAW
- stare,
- stahr,
- stray,
- starry,
- story,
- stria,
- styer,
- stir,
- strew,
- steer,
- store,
- stuhr,
- storie,
- stairway,
- STIER,
- steyer,
- starr,
- Stehr,
- Stohr,
- star,
- sterry,
- stereo,
- stair,
- stayer,
- STEAR,
- stoehr,
- storey,
- steier.
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