Business English from All Ears English BE 506: Do You Get the Short End of the Stick at Work?
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Dec 21, 2025 Explore the nuances of English idioms like 'get the short end of the stick' and discover its implications in workplace fairness. Learn about starting projects with 'get the ball rolling' and how to shift dynamics when things go awry with 'get off on the wrong foot.' Delve into expressing concerns using 'get something off your chest' and enjoy a lively role play that showcases these phrases in action. Finally, gain valuable insights on the formality of idioms in professional settings.
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Family Examples Of Unfair Outcomes
- Aubrey shares a family example about being short and missing athletic opportunities.
- Lindsay gives a childhood snack example to illustrate unfair outcomes in families.
Meaning And Flexibility Of The Idiom
- "Get the short end of the stick" means to receive an unfair or less favorable outcome.
- Lindsay and Aubrey note it works both literally and metaphorically, like genetics or task assignments.
Workplace Examples Of Being Shortchanged
- Lindsay gives workplace examples like getting a 12-hour shift as receiving the short end of the stick.
- Aubrey adds a project credit example where Maria's work was credited to someone else.