fag end

American  

noun

1. the last part or very end of something.

   the fag end of a rope.

2. the unfinished end of a piece of cloth; remnant.

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fag end British  

noun

1. the last and worst part, esp when it is of little use

2. informal the stub of a cigarette

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Etymology

Origin of fag end

First recorded in 1605–15

Example Sentences

England have made just the two changes despite around half-a-dozen spots being up for grabs at the fag end of a disappointing series.

From The Guardian • Sep. 12, 2019

But at the fag end of the year the boom evaporated, and, coupled with lower demand from China, led to a pile-up of unsold chips at distributors and retailers.

From Reuters • Feb. 15, 2019

A single question at the fag end of an extended PMQs is not a commanding position from which to address the nation.

From BBC • Sep. 19, 2017

However, since the deal was announced only towards the fag end of the quarter, we don’t expect it to have helped Akamai’s margins this quarter.

From Forbes • Feb. 7, 2012

To do this properly I should require not the fag end of one lecture, but a whole course of lectures.

From American Languages, and Why We Should Study Them by Brinton, Daniel Garrison

Related Words

• back end
• rear
• rudder