sticky end

American  

noun

Genetics, Biotechnology.

1. a single-stranded end of DNA or RNA having a nucleotide base sequence complementary to that of another strand, enabling the two strands to be connected by base pairing: produced in the laboratory with the use of restriction enzymes for genetic engineering purposes.

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sticky end British  

noun

1. informal an unpleasant finish or death (esp in the phrase come to or meet a sticky end )

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Etymology

Origin of sticky end

First recorded in 1970–75

Example Sentences

Despite the social media teasers showing celebrities with pots of jam from Meghan, the previous brand name American Riviera Orchard seems to have reached a sticky end.

From BBC

But the vehicle nearly met a sticky end.

From BBC

You've been performing Space Man all over Europe… but it nearly came to a sticky end, didn't it?

From BBC

The vest is notable for its stains but whether they are the marks of a sticky end or the contents of a terrified king’s stomach remains unclear.

From The Guardian

“She’ll come to a sticky end one day, chewing all that gum, you see if she doesn’t.”

From Literature