# straw poll

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/straw-poll
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

A survey of opinion or a vote that is nonbinding, unofficial, casual, or ad hoc.

## Examples

- Let's do a quick straw poll to see who wants pizza.
- We take a straw poll to choose a movie for tonight.
- A quick straw poll shows that most people want to go hiking.
- Before the official vote, the chair took a straw poll to gauge how members were leaning.
- The teacher took a straw poll by asking students to raise their hands if they preferred an afternoon exam.
- Our manager used a straw poll during the meeting to find out which office chair everyone liked best.
- The senator's team conducted an informal straw poll at the town hall, knowing its results would carry no weight yet might shape their strategy.

## Origin

The term likely alludes to the practice of holding a thin plant stalk aloft to determine the direction of the wind. In this construction, the straw serves as a visual indicator for the metaphorical wind of group opinion, providing a brief assessment of the prevailing atmosphere before more substantial measures are taken.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.