{v. phr.}, {informal} To stand rough treatment; do well in spite of great physical or mental hardship. * /An athlete must learn to stand the gaff./ * /No person running for office gets far unless he can stand the gaff./ Compare: HOLD OUT 2, STICK OUT 2.
STAND THE GAFF
Meaning of STAND THE GAFF in English
Slang English vocab. Английский сленговый словарь. 2012