What is the origin of the idiom "the short end of the stick" and when to use it?

The idiom "the short end of the stick" is believed to have originated from a literal practice involving the use of sticks or straws to determine one's share or position. In certain situations, such as dividing tasks or allocating resources, individuals would draw or select sticks of varying lengths. The person who drew the shortest stick would receive the least desirable outcome or the most challenging task. It is commonly employed when discussing matters of fairness, inequality, or perceived injustice.