I always get the short end of the stick in this office.
short end of the stick
idiomA situation, opportunity, or outcome which is less favorable than situations, opportunities, or outcomes experienced by or available to others.
Origin
disputed originUnknown. Attested since the 1500s, suggested by one theory to be a minced oath of shit end of the stick, as an 1840s cite uses crappy, but this theory is unlikely. Possibly also derived from a previous literal meaning, as wrong end of the stick is even older, though the precise literal meaning is unclear.
Because I arrived late to the meeting, I got the short end of the stick and had to take all the notes.
Despite his years of loyal service, he felt he had received the short end of the stick when the company offered the promotion to a new hire.
- 01
a day late and a dollar short
Too late and too feeble to achieve the desired effect.
- 02
a short drop and a sudden stop
A fall to one's death by hanging.
- 03
all ends up
Completely; totally.
- 04
arse end of nowhere
A very remote place.
- 05
beat off with a stick
To reject (a person making an unwanted amorous approach).
- 06
beat with the ugly stick
Used to describe someone who is particularly ugly or unattractive.
- 07
big end of town
The top end of town.
- 08
bitter end
The end of a long and difficult process.
Last updated April 17, 2026