business end

American

noun

the front part or end of a tool, weapon, etc., with which the work is done or from which a missile is ejected, as opposed to the handle or butt.

the business end of a revolver; the business end of a screwdriver.

business end British

noun

informal the part of a tool or weapon that does the work, as contrasted with the handle

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Etymology

Origin of business end

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

From heavy punk numbers to jazzy R&B ballads and solemn country-infused performances, the academy celebrated those who have shaped music, whether it’s on the artistry end or the business end of things.

From Los Angeles Times

The exchanges continued to be intense as the set entered the business end, but Djokovic blinked first.

From BBC

Even so, Sabalenka's impressive level of consistency at recent major tournaments - she has reached the semi-finals at 14 of the past 17 majors she has contested - means she is at home at the business end of Grand Slams.

From BBC

Whether his ageing body can hold up at the business end of a Grand Slam - even with the benefit of being gifted a round off - remains to be seen.

From BBC

After brutal heat nearing 40C disrupted play on Saturday, temperatures eased to 22C at Melbourne Park as the business end of the tournament started.

From Barron's

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023