わらしべ

noun

central stalk of a dried rice plant

Refers specifically to the stiff central stem of a rice plant after threshing; used in crafts or as a metaphor for something humble.

• わらしべを使つかって小ちいさなほうきを作つくった。

  I made a small broom using the central stalk of a rice plant.

• わらしべ長ちょう者じゃの話はなしを知しっていますか。

  Do you know the story of the Straw Millionaire?