Example: In dieser Verhandlung hat er leider den Kürzeren gezogen.
Definition
"Den Kürzeren ziehen" is a German idiomatic expression meaning to be at a disadvantage or to lose out in a situation, often implying that someone has been less fortunate or has suffered a defeat compared to others.
Translations
draw the short straw
llevarse la peor parte
het onderspit delven
sortir-ne perdent
tirer le mauvais numéro
Etymology
The phrase "den Kürzeren ziehen" literally means 'to draw the shorter one,' referring to a traditional method of drawing lots where the person who picks the shortest stick or straw loses. This metaphor has been used in German to describe being unlucky or losing in a contest or negotiation.
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"Den Kürzeren ziehen" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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draw the short straw