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

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

There are layers of bureaucracy between the Secretary of Defense and the business end of a missile.

From The Wall Street Journal • Dec. 1, 2025

She’s the business end of Dad’s handyman service, and since Dad has an aversion to paperwork, things would be completely disorganized without her.

From "The Running Dream" by Wendelin Van Draanen