on the receiving end

Idioms

In the situation of recipient, especially of something unpleasant, as in It seems I'm always on the receiving end of his bad moods. [c. 1930]

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Los Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford was on the receiving end of a surprising call from coach Sean McVay on Thursday.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 24, 2026

“When we learn critical thinking with and from other humans, we cannot easily forget that humans are on the receiving end of the ideas we communicate.”

From Salon • Mar. 30, 2026

Few players score two equalisers at the Nou Camp yet end up on the receiving end of a 7-2 battering like a stunned Anthony Elanga did.

From BBC • Mar. 18, 2026

What’s suffering as a result of these attacks: the ability of ordinary people who were on the receiving end of crackdowns to get good representation to fight back.

From Slate • Mar. 5, 2026

I understand why you can't be on the receiving end of these updates anymore, and i'll respect your decision, but I'll miss you.

From "Allegiant" by Veronica Roth

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023