Hello, you have come here looking for the meaning of the word
short end of the stick. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
short end of the stick, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
short end of the stick in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
short end of the stick you have here. The definition of the word
short end of the stick will help you to be more precise and correct when speaking or writing your texts. Knowing the definition of
short end of the stick, as well as those of other words, enriches your vocabulary and provides you with more and better linguistic resources.
English
Alternative forms
Etymology
Suggested to be a minced oath of shit end of the stick which appears to pre-date "short end of the stick" euphemistically. Possibly also derived from a previous literal meaning, though the precise literal meaning is unclear.
Pronunciation
Noun
short end of the stick (plural short ends of the stick)
- (idiomatic) A situation, opportunity, or outcome which is less favorable than situations, opportunities, or outcomes experienced by or available to others.
- 1963 April, Ralph E. Lapp, "The Strategy of Overkill," Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, p. 10 (Google preview):
- Soviet emphasis on high-yield weapons might give them a megaton surplus. . . . We might then be on the short end of the stick.
1981 August 24, Claudia Wallis, “Gee Thanks, Ronnie, but...”, in Time, retrieved 10 April 2014:[T]he 44 Governors . . . spent three days in tense, often heated discussion of the enormous political and fiscal problems handed to the states under President Reagan's "new federalism." Said Wisconsin Governor Lee Dreyfus: "There is some apprehension on the part of the Governors that we are getting the short end of the stick."
2010 July 9, Bob Herbert, “Restoring a Hallowed Vision”, in New York Times, retrieved 10 April 2014:“[W]orking people are sick and tired of the bosses getting million-dollar bonuses and the workers getting the short end of the stick.”
2012 September 2, Tim Jonze, “Africa Express: rolling coverage”, in Guardian, UK, retrieved 10 April 2014:Does this mean Middlesbrough get the short end of the stick, with what will surely be the most ramshackle show of the tour?
2021 August 5, Shira Ovide, “YouTube Is Underwhelming”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:I learned the hard way that people who ditch cable TV still get the short end of the stick.
Synonyms
See also
References