gaff

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Related to gaffs: gaffing

blow the gaff

slang To talk about or reveal a private or secret matter. Primarily heard in UK. I can't believe you blew the gaff and talked about the plans for her surprise party right to her face! Don't tell your little brother anything you want to keep secret because he'll definitely blow the gaff.

See also: blow, gaff

stand the gaff

To face and withstand intense censure or criticism. I made the decision to go ahead with my plan and stand the gaff later, if it came to it. You must be willing to stand the gaff if your hope to make any worthwhile progress in this business.

stand the gaff

Take severe criticism or other adversity in stride, as in If you can't stand the gaff, don't try running for office. [Slang; late 1800s]

blow the gaff

BRITISH, INFORMAL

If you blow the gaff, you tell people something which was supposed to be kept secret. He is certainly not the first minister to blow the gaff. Note: `Blow' here means `reveal'. In the 19th century, `gaff' was a slang word used to refer to dishonest behaviour which was intended to deceive people.

See also: blow, gaff

blow the gaff

reveal or let out a plot or secret. British informal

The word gaff is recorded from the early 19th century, but its origins are uncertain.

See also: blow, gaff

blow the ˈgaff (on somebody/something)

(British English, informal) reveal a secret: She didn’t want anyone to know where she had been, but her husband blew the gaff. OPPOSITE: keep mum

See also: blow, gaff

References in periodicals archive ?

After years of lost fish, I have come to the conclusion that there are almost as many factors to consider when choosing a gaff, as there are in choosing a rod and reel.

To the point: tips for choosing a gaff

Richard Gaff, 51, of Springfield, is serving a 16-month sentence at the Oregon State Penitentiary for manufacturing, possessing and selling marijuana and hashish.

Illegally stored chemicals traced to defunct company

One lucky reader is going to a copy of More Own Goals And Gaffs, an Alba DVD player AND a Bush widescreen TV to watch it on.

Football: WIN AN OWN GOALS AND GAFFS DVD (PLUS A DVD PLAYER ANDWIDESCREEN TELLY TO WATCH IT ON!)

Based upon the persuasive findings of GAFFS, it's time for such guidelines to be amended with regard to treatment of patients similar to those enrolled in GAFFS, Dr.

Intranasal steroids speed sinusitis recovery. (In Addition to Antibiotics)

7 mm for the subjects using the respective instrumented gaffs.

EFFECT OF GAFF DESIGN ON LINEMEN'S PERCEPTION OF THE CLIMBABILITY OF RED PINE UTILITY POLES OF PRE-SELECTED WOOD HARDNESS

Before one contest has run its course, the gaffs will be on.

Blood and Feathers - Masculine Identity in East Timorese Cockfighting

Gaff, say the lexicons, can mean a metal spur for a gamecock, a cheap theater or music hall, an ordeal, or a kind of topsail.

Ole Tex braggs "Ain't this a fine hoss-pistol? Yes, sir, I grew it from a colt!" (grammatical errors) (Wood on Words) (Column)

Your crew should be ready with gaffs waiting should the need for assistance arise.

Prep for safe swordfishing: proper gear, assigned tasks make for the right kind of memories

It's either Oxford or Cambridge" landed him in the list of worst gaffs.

VOICE OF THE BBC DIES

Get the net: Gaffs are great tools in the hands of experienced crew, but if you're running the boat and relying on a guest to help land a big fish, a good net is just about goof-proof.

Big trouble: prepare for the unexpected

Not wanting to let a good meal get away, we got out two gaffs and hauled the torso onboard.