short end of the stick

Etymology
to be a minced oath of which appears to pre-date "short end of the stick" euphemistically. Possibly also derived from a previous literal meaning, though the precise literal meaning is unclear.

Noun

 * 1)  A situation, opportunity, or outcome which is less favorable than situations, opportunities, or outcomes experienced by or available to others.
 * 2) * 1963 April, Ralph E. Lapp, "The Strategy of Overkill," Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, p. 10 (Google preview):
 * Soviet emphasis on high-yield weapons might give them a megaton surplus. . . . We might then be on the short end of the stick.