raw deal


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]

Words Nearby raw deal

The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.

How to use raw deal in a sentence

  • You must have handed Mr. Turnbull a raw deal; he was so ready to think evil of you.

    The Red Seal | Natalie Sumner Lincoln
  • That Keats bunch cant run in no raw deal like that on the Arrownot while Im range boss.

    The Ranchman | Charles Alden Seltzer
  • I don't forget I've had raw deal—lots of ways; but no point not saying Sylvia had pretty raw one from Dolly.

    The Guarded Heights | Wadsworth Camp