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

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

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

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

The England coach used his bench cleverly during the autumn to inject experience and energy into the business end of matches.

From BBC • Jan. 23, 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

She was interested not only in the tanning processes but in the business end too.

From "East of Eden" by John Steinbeck