business end

American  

noun

1. 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.

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business end British  

noun

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

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Etymology

Origin of business end

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

business end

This tournament, just like all other tournaments that they've made it to, carries on into the business end without Scotland.

From BBC ● Jun. 27, 2026

"We had some good chances, credit to them they did too. We're in the business end of the season now. We always feel dangerous - we always feel like we can score goals for sure."

From BBC ● Apr. 7, 2026

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 ● Feb. 2, 2026

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 ● Jan. 25, 2026

The verb is the business end of a sentence, the sentences reason for being.

From "Woe Is I" by Patricia T. O'Conner