receiving end

noun

1. the position in which one is subject to some kind of action or effect, especially an unpleasant one (usually used in the phrase at oron the receiving end ).

   The corporation is on the receiving end of many complaints about its advertising.

Word History and Origins

Origin of receiving end¹

First recorded in 1930–35

Example Sentences

On the one hand, since no one likes to be on the receiving end of the “destruction” half of creative destruction, the largest corporations and their shareholders will inevitably exert enormous pressure on our politicians for protection.

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Amy has been on the receiving end of Mal's strength and accompanying stubbornness countless times - often he sits down at the end of his walks and refuses to come inside.

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In Los Angeles’s season-opening win over the Chiefs, Johnston was on the receiving end of two touchdown passes.

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But trying to mould someone's appearance according to your preferences is dangerous, she argues, as the person on the receiving end could see it as an unwelcome imposition.

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Being on the receiving end was unsettling.

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