draw straws for

draw straws for (something)

To decide something by picking at random from straws of different lengths. The person who pulls the shortest straw is usually the one chosen for something, often an unpleasant task. Let's draw straws for it—it's the only fair way to decide who goes first.
See also: draw, straw
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

draw straws for something

Fig. to decide who gets something or must do something by choosing straws from an unseen set of straws of different lengths. (The person who gets the shortest straw is chosen. See also draw lots.) We drew straws for the privilege of going first. Let's draw straws for it.
See also: draw, straw
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • (I) wouldn't (do something) if I were you
  • (you) wanna make something of it?
  • all for the best
  • a walking
  • a walking (something)
  • a fast talker
  • a/the feel of (something)
  • all right
  • a straw will show which way the wind blows
  • (one) could use (something)
References in periodicals archive
101 members will draw straws for three one-year terms and three two-year terms.
Government
In one of the closest run results in North East electoral history, a wouldbe county councillor was denied the chance to draw straws for a place in office after returning officers threw out her complaints of a spoiled ballot paper.
The news of 2013 Part two; We look at what made the headlines in The Journal in 2013, here in the months April to June
Because of redistricting and the need for staggered terms in the Senate, all senators had to draw straws for either a two-year or four-year term.
Agenda Texas: Campbell Reflects on Session So Far
DON'T be tempted to drink and drive - blood-alcohol limits in Corsica are lower than in the UK so draw straws for the orange juice.
HOOKED? OF CORSICA; The irresistible pull of a charming French island
She told him the variety show must be a strain for the royals and added: "I bet when that envelope comes through the front door you all draw straws for who comes to this."
PREGNANT PAUSE: PRINCE STOPS FOR BABY TALK WITH SPICE GIRLS; What a swell party this is for Charles
A hip injury stopped Botica from making his debut and forced the Scarlets to draw straws for goal-kicking duties.
IEUAN'S BOOTY; Llanelli 30 Swansea 17