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

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

From BBC • Feb. 1, 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

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

From Los Angeles Times • Jan. 6, 2026

A jet-like turbine sucks air in and forces it out the narrow business end in a tidy beam.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 2, 2025

Using the business end of the rake, she snagged the man’s ooze- covered shirt and rolled him onto his back.

From "Flush" by Carl Hiaasen