give someone the shaft
give (one) the shaft
To exploit, cheat, or take advantage of one; to treat one unfairly. Whenever a promotion comes around, management always manages to give me the shaft. Because we live in a tiny, rural community, we feel like the government tends to give us the shaft.
give someone the shaft
tv. to cheat or deceive someone; to mistreat someone. (see also shaft.) The boss really gave Willy the shaft.