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

In recent weeks, Arsenal have been finding a way to win as the pressure mounts at the business end of the season.

From BBC • May 5, 2026

He knows when the business end of these games are and he just finds gears, that's what he's always done.

From BBC • May 1, 2026

For Denver, the match-up comes after a bye week, and offers another chance to prove that one of this season's surprise packages can be the real deal at the business end of the campaign.

From Barron's • Jan. 16, 2026

In his video, Rourke admitted the business end of his business has never been his strong suit.

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2026

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

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