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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.


business end British  

noun

  1. 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.

By contrast, Australia batted deep and, despite the best efforts of Deepti Sharma, who bagged 2-50, and Charani, India were never able to really turn the screw at the business end.

From BBC

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

From The Wall Street Journal

Six-time champions New Zealand came into the game as slight favourites given their pedigree at the business end of World Cups, but Canada were supreme on both sides of the ball and in every department.

From BBC

She is a talisman that England would love to have to hand as the tournament gets to its business end.

From BBC

German third seed Alexander Zverev has not yet won a Grand Slam title despite his his pedigree, appearing to lack belief against the very best at the business end of majors.

From BBC