get the short end of the stick
get the short end of the stick
To receive an unequal outcome of a deal that results in a disadvantage or burden; to be slighted in some way. You have to stay calm during business negotiations or else you may end up getting the short end of the stick.
See also: end, get, of, short, stick
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
get the short end of the stick
mainly AMERICANIf you get the short end of the stick, you are in a worse position than other people in a particular situation, although this is not your fault. Kids and young families get the short end of the stick because they don't get the kind of support that they need. As usual it's the consumer who gets the short end of the stick.
See also: end, get, of, short, stick
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.
- short end of the stick
- short end of the stick, the
- the short end of the stick
- get the short end
- load the dice
- load the dice (against one)
- load the dice against someone
- shock horror
- pique
- in a pique