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

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

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

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