(~s)
1.
Straw consists of the dried, yellowish stalks from crops such as wheat or barley.
The barn was full of bales of ~...
...a wide-brimmed ~ hat.
N-UNCOUNT
2.
A ~ is a thin tube of paper or plastic, which you use to suck a drink into your mouth.
...a bottle of lemonade with a ~ in it.
N-COUNT
3.
If you are clutching at ~s or grasping at ~s, you are trying unusual or extreme ideas or methods because other ideas or methods have failed.
...a badly thought-out scheme from a Government clutching at ~s.
PHRASE: V inflects
4.
If an event is the last ~ or the ~ that broke the camel’s back, it is the latest in a series of unpleasant or undesirable events, and makes you feel that you cannot tolerate a situation any longer.
For him the Church’s decision to allow the ordination of women had been the last ~...
PHRASE: usu v-link PHR
5.
If you draw the short ~, you are chosen from a number of people to perform a job or duty that you will not enjoy.
...if a few of your guests have drawn the short ~ and agreed to drive others home after your summer barbecue.
PHRASE: usu v PHR