business end

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

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

First recorded in 1875–80

This reporter knocked at the Wilkins home on Tuesday morning but received neither an answer nor the business end of a shotgun.

If my guy were on the business end of results like those, I'd be psychologically preparing myself.

As Card put it, “The payroll survey is really getting a very quick pulse on the business end.”

He also pledges to bring the business end of a baseball bat to any country that challenges him.

With the business end neutralized, I can relax a little, and take stock of our catch.

Sonny Williams, cool as ice behind the business end of a Tommy gun.

There was a quick flash, and Ben was staring into the business end of a Luger automatic, gripped tightly in the broker's hand.

There comes an hour of evening when lower Broadway, the business end of the town, is deserted.

He expressed no opinion as to my marrying into such a family, but went about the business end with diligence.

In working about a mule that kicks, it should be remembered that his head-quarters are not his real business end.

April 23, 2024inveterate

[in-vet-er-it ]

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