short end of the stick

Meanings

1. A situation, opportunity, or outcome which is less favorable than situations, opportunities, or outcomes experienced by or available to others.

Etymology

Unknown. Attested since the 1500s, suggested by one theory to be a minced oath of shit end of the stick, as an 1840s cite uses crappy, but this theory is unlikely. Possibly also derived from a previous literal meaning, as wrong end of the stick is even older, though the precise literal meaning is unclear.