Definitions:

1. A traditional game where players attempt to remove sticks, or pieces resembling straws, from a pile without disturbing the other sticks, that requires careful precision and hand-eye coordination. NOUN
   • The children enjoyed a round of jackstraws, each taking turns to carefully pick up the sticks without causing the pile to shift.
2. Metaphorically describes things that are fragile, unstable, or lacking in substance. NOUN
   • The plans for the business were as fragile as jackstraws, collapsing at the first sign of trouble.

Synonyms:

• fiddlesticks
• pick-a-stick
• pick-up-sticks
• spellicans
• spillikins