Exodus 5:11

Amplified Bible - Classic Edition

Go, get straw where you can find it; but your work shall not be diminished in the least.

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The taskmasters of the people went out, and their officers, and they said to the people, Thus says Pharaoh, I will not give you straw.

So the people were scattered through all the land of Egypt to gather the short stubble instead of straw.