Example: In der Verhandlung musste er leider den Kürzeren ziehen.
Definition
"Den Kürzeren ziehen" means to be the one who loses or comes off worse in a situation, especially a dispute or negotiation. It implies that someone has ended up with a less favorable outcome compared to others involved.
Translations
come off second best
salir perdiendo
het onderspit delven
sortir-ne perdent
avoir le dessous
Etymology
The phrase "den Kürzeren ziehen" literally means 'to draw the shorter one,' referring to the practice of drawing lots or straws to make a decision. The person who draws the shortest straw is the one who loses or is at a disadvantage. This expression has been used in German for centuries to describe an unlucky or unfavorable outcome.
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"Den Kürzeren ziehen" appears in the Vocaplus list "", containing 105 commonly used expressions.
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come off second best