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.
Cite this Entry
“The shaft.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/the%20shaft. Accessed 29 Nov. 2025.
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