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.
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.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2022 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
blow the gaff
BRITISH, INFORMALIf 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.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
blow the gaff
reveal or let out a plot or secret. British informalThe word gaff is recorded from the early 19th century, but its origins are uncertain.
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
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 mumFarlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017