raw deal

Idioms and Phrases

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]

Example Sentences

Many fans feel that streaming services give a raw deal to musicians, and want to make amends for using them.

From The Daily Beast

Cersei, for all her ruthless scheming, has gotten a really raw deal.

From The Daily Beast

I paid the artists something like $25 a page—we called it the RAW deal.

From The Daily Beast

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 Project Gutenberg

I dont propose to play on any team where Im handed a raw deal by a thing like Jack Nelson.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

That Keats bunch cant run in no raw deal like that on the Arrownot while Im range boss.

From Project Gutenberg

I don't forget I've had raw deal—lots of ways; but no point not saying Sylvia had pretty raw one from Dolly.

From Project Gutenberg