ENGLISH
REFERENCE

gall

n. uncountable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈɡɔɫ// UK //ɡˈɔːl// gall Archaic

n. a rude or bold way of acting that shows no respect for others. You use this when someone does something shocking or annoying without feeling embarrassed.

n. impudent or brazen behaviour; an insolent audacity. Often used to express indignation at someone's lack of shame or respect.


SIMPLE

He had the gall to ask for more money after being late.

CONTEXTUAL

After ignoring my emails for weeks, she had the gall to show up and ask for a favour.

COMPLEX

The CEO had the gall to accept a massive bonus while simultaneously announcing the layoff of five hundred factory workers.

Synonyms
Usage

Commonly used in the construction 'to have the gall to [verb]'.

Idioms1 entry

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