A dictionary of Confusable Phrases: More Than 10,000 Idioms and Collocations

get the short end of the stick • get the wrong end
of the stick
get the short end of the stick—(also: get the dirty end of the
stick) have the disadvantage in a bargain, contest, etc.: Francine
always gets the short end of the stick when it comes to school
plays.
Note:
The expression is not equivalent in meaning to the phrase
draw the short straw
— be chosen to perform a task that nobody
wants to do: Brenner drained his glass with a sense of relief,
thankful that it was someone else who had drawn the short
straw.
get the wrong end of the stick—(also: get hold of the wrong end
of the stick) completely misunderstand smth.: I said how nice
he was and Julie got the wrong end of the stick and thought
I wanted to go out with him.
get the show on the road • road show
get the show on the road —put a plan, idea, etc. into action:
He checked his watch. “Shouldn’t we get this show on the
road, now that Rolfe’s here?”
Note:
The expression is not antonymous in meaning to the
phrase steal the show—do better than another person (in a the-
atrical production, etc.) and so make oneself the centre of atten-
tion: They won the two most entertaining matches of the night
and stole the show.
road show —
1
. a touring group of theatrical or musical per-
formers: Teddy and Phil began their circus career by joining
a road show. 2. a show given by a touring group of performers:
This is like watching a road show with a cast that’s not quite
ready for prime time yet. 3. a promotional tour by a company
(to publicize its products, etc.): The road show visits five states
and incorporates six events including trade evenings.