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.
Dictionary Entries Near the shaft
Cite this Entry
“The shaft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20shaft. Accessed 14 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share