The phrase "draws straws" is commonly used to describe a way of choosing randomly or making a decision by chance. However, there are several synonyms that can be used instead of "draws straws" to convey the same meaning. For example, "picks lots", "casts lots", "flips a coin", "rolls the dice", and "pulls names out of a hat" are all alternative expressions that can be used effectively. These phrases are often used in situations where a group needs to make a decision fairly or determine an order of priority. Whether it's drawing straws or picking lots, these phrases all refer to the process of selecting something randomly and by chance.