give the shaft

give (one) the shaft

To exploit, cheat, or take advantage of one; to treat one unfairly. Whenever a promotion comes around, management always manages to give me the shaft. Because we live in a tiny, rural community, we feel like the government tends to give us the shaft.
See also: give, shaft
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

give someone the shaft

Sl. to cheat or deceive someone; to mistreat someone. (See also get the shaft.) The boss really gave Wally the shaft. Somebody always gives me the shaft.
See also: give, shaft
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • drive (one) out of office
  • force (one) out of office
  • force out of office
  • give (one) (one's) head
  • give head
  • give somebody their head
  • give someone their head
  • cooking for one
  • 1FTR
  • as one door closes, another opens
References in periodicals archive
The wee-people are honored to give the shaft to the good doctor for saving Himself."
Wee-people make their choices for shillelaghs
However, the outer diameter tapers to give the shaft an increased FOC (Front of Center) for better flight and penetration.
Bow bullets: modern archery ammunition is more durable, accurate quiet --and deadly--than ever before
Ian McGraa and Ryan Griffiths both netted to give the Shafts a memorable win and see them through to the next stage.
Thistle do very nicely in the cup in the cup & District; Chester football League
These final steps are what give the shafts their perfect, high-gloss shine.
Golf shaft producer clears the air