Used in informal situations, often to express sympathy or commiserate with someone's misfortune. At the party, I drew the short straw and had to do the dishes.
Pro Tip 2/3
Randomness Highlighted
Emphasizes that the outcome was left to chance, and not a deliberate choice. We couldn't decide who should go first, so we drew straws, and I drew the short straw.
Pro Tip 3/3
Unpleasant Tasks
Often refers to being selected for a task that is least desirable or more difficult than others. Since I drew the short straw, I have to work the late shift.