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

In a letter to Newsom this week, Abrams quoted the governor’s remarks to reporters about fire victims consistently getting the short end of the stick. — Andrew Graham, Sacbee.com, 11 Sep. 2026

But if the Panthers insist on having so many skill-position luxuries, Kuwatch might get the short end of the stick. — Alex Zietlow, Charlotte Observer, 24 Aug. 2026

Running backs were getting the short end of the stick before a recent resurgence, as general managers felt that the position was hardly that valuable. — Ryan Morik, FOXNews.com, 28 July 2026

Historically, the Velaryons seem to always be getting the short end of the stick. — Zoe Papelis, Vulture, 6 July 2026

Rhymes for the short end of the stick

• actinic
• agnatic
• bailiwick
• bolshevik
• candlestick
• deontic
• firebrick
• herpetic
• judaic
• lunatic
• menshevik
• orthotic