the shaft

noun

US, informal
: harsh or unfair treatment
usually used with give or get
Her boss really gave her the shaft when he promoted someone less experienced instead of her.
He got promoted and she got the shaft.

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Cite this Entry

“The shaft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20shaft. Accessed 22 Dec. 2024.

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