Phrase guide
Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.
Sound
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No pronunciation record was provided for this word.
verb
To endure harsh criticism, rough treatment, or severe difficulties without complaining or breaking down.
Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract
No example sentence was provided for this meaning.
Synonyms: none provided
Antonyms: none provided
History
Became famous in the 1925 coalminers' strike in New Waterford, Nova Scotia, Canada, when J E McClurg, vice-president of BESCO, intent on starving the strikers into submission, was heard laughing at the strikers, saying "They can't stand the gaff." It then became an expression of defiance for the miners.
