raw deal

Idioms  

1. An instance of unfair or harsh treatment, as in After 25 years with the bank Bob got a raw deal—no pension, no retirement benefits of any kind, just a gold watch. Raw here means “crude” or “unfair.” [First half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

Also in Weekend Reads: The latest on SpaceX and other IPOs, a raw deal for Alphabet’s non-Berkshire shareholders and advice from the Moneyist.

From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 5, 2026

But one cabinet minister admits, "it is true young people get a raw deal – and youth unemployment is the number one issue, not just for that generation but for their parents and grandparents".

From BBC • Dec. 6, 2025

Sharks have been getting a raw deal from humans for a long time.

From Salon • Jul. 21, 2024

Logie, who left Division II Point Loma to become Montana State’s head man last season, inherited a raw deal with the Bobcats.

From Seattle Times • Mar. 25, 2024

He had got at several of them who had received a raw deal in the courts, and was moving heaven and earth to bring redress to them.

From Tramping on Life An Autobiographical Narrative by Kemp, Harry