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

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

A bit off-topic but how can we possibly have reached the fag end of June and still not know in which league Newcastle and London Welsh will be competing next season?

From The Guardian • Jun. 24, 2012

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

The long straight thoroughfare in which we found ourselves looked in the darkening night like the fag end of a village, unfinished and unpaved; almost like the street of some far away colonial settlement.

From Glories of Spain by Wood, Charles W. (William)

Related Words

• back end
• rear
• rudder