get a raw deal — to be treated unfairly or to receive something of poor quality or value
Part of speech: VERB
Definition: to be treated unfairly or to receive something of poor quality or value
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɡet ə rɔː diːl/
Example Sentences
- The intern got a raw deal - working 12 hours a day for coffee money!
- I think customers are getting a raw deal with these expensive prices.
- He felt he got a raw deal when his promotion went to someone less qualified.
get a raw deal
VERB[/ɡet ə rɔː diːl/]
to be treated unfairly or to receive something of poor quality or value
to be treated unfairly or to receive something of poor quality or value
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase emerged in American English during the late 19th century. 'Raw' originally meant unprocessed or unrefined, but extended metaphorically to mean unfair or inadequate. 'Deal' derives from card games, where distributing cards became synonymous with one's treatment or allotment, eventually meaning any arrangement or settlement.
Breakdown
raw (unrefined, unfair) + deal (distribution, treatment, arrangement). The compound suggests receiving an unfair or inadequate allocation or treatment, as if one's portion was rough or incomplete.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“The intern got a raw deal - working 12 hours a day for coffee money!”
“I think customers are getting a raw deal with these expensive prices.”
“He felt he got a raw deal when his promotion went to someone less qualified.”
“Students got a raw deal - online classes for full tuition fees? That's highway robbery!”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
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