the short end of the stick
noun phrase
chiefly US, informal
: unfair or unfavorable treatment
She got the short end of the stick in the deal.
Examples of the short end of the stick in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Hadwin got the short end of the stick because the track finally decided to bite back, and someone happened to have a camera there to film the whole ordeal.
—
Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
These industry leaders say that agencies are getting the short end of the stick, given their investments in their talents.
—Chad De Guzman, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025
So managing mom’s transition falls to Joel, who’s used to getting the short end of the stick.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025
Sisley Paris Sensitive Skin Soothing Care Sensitive skin can sometimes get the short end of the stick with gentle skincare products, but this one goes easy on delicate complexions while still delivering plenty of potent ingredients.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
While Hunter got the Heisman, if the game is to avoid starting your NFL career along Lake Erie, No. 12 might wind up getting the short end of the stick.
—Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2025
But another user, who identifies as being a tall person, sees that as the short end of the stick for his kind.
—Gil MacIas, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024
There is bound to be a culture class – two fierce competitive rivals don’t become friends overnight – and the Neiman Marcus customers are likely to get the short end of the stick.
—Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
All of the characters will have plenty to contend with in the impending fourth season, perhaps most of all Radia’s Rishi, who certainly draws the short end of the stick, so to speak, with his violent and traumatic final moments in Season 3.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024
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Thomas G. Moukawsher, Newsweek, 22 Mar. 2025
These industry leaders say that agencies are getting the short end of the stick, given their investments in their talents.
—Chad De Guzman, TIME, 21 Mar. 2025
So managing mom’s transition falls to Joel, who’s used to getting the short end of the stick.
—Dennis Harvey, Variety, 11 Mar. 2025
Sisley Paris Sensitive Skin Soothing Care Sensitive skin can sometimes get the short end of the stick with gentle skincare products, but this one goes easy on delicate complexions while still delivering plenty of potent ingredients.
—Celia Shatzman, Forbes, 26 Feb. 2025
While Hunter got the Heisman, if the game is to avoid starting your NFL career along Lake Erie, No. 12 might wind up getting the short end of the stick.
—Sean Keeler, The Denver Post, 6 Jan. 2025
But another user, who identifies as being a tall person, sees that as the short end of the stick for his kind.
—Gil MacIas, People.com, 30 Dec. 2024
There is bound to be a culture class – two fierce competitive rivals don’t become friends overnight – and the Neiman Marcus customers are likely to get the short end of the stick.
—Pamela N. Danziger, Forbes, 27 Dec. 2024
All of the characters will have plenty to contend with in the impending fourth season, perhaps most of all Radia’s Rishi, who certainly draws the short end of the stick, so to speak, with his violent and traumatic final moments in Season 3.
—Katie Campione, Deadline, 12 Dec. 2024
Cite this Entry
“The short end of the stick.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20short%20end%20of%20the%20stick. Accessed 2 Apr. 2025.
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