business end

the business end (of something)

The functional part of an instrument, tool, or other object. These kids are reckless on the ice, so watch that you don't get hit with the business end of a hockey stick. My dad swung at the intruding squirrel with the business end of a broom.
See also: business, end
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

the business end

the part of a tool, weapon, etc. that carries out the object's particular function. informal
1936 Richmal Crompton Sweet William The business end of a geometrical compass was jabbed into Douglas's arm.
See also: business, end
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

the ˈbusiness end (of something)

(informal) the part of a tool, weapon, etc. that performs its particular function: Never pick up a knife by the business end.
See also: business, end
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

business end

verb
See business end of something
See also: business, end
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • business end of
  • business end of something
  • the business end
  • the business end (of something)
  • steady on
  • steady on!
  • be out of control
  • be, get, etc. out of control
  • over shoes, over boots
  • run down
References in periodicals archive
The FA Cup is now in the business end of the competition
BEIRUT: Ansar did Ahed the ultimate favor Saturday, holding archrivals Nejmeh to a goalless draw to seriously damage their title ambitions as the business end of the season approaches.
But the BCCI is still hopeful that the business end of the cash- rich tournament will be held in India.
Summary: BP is not unfamiliar with the business end of a lawsuit, but recently settlement figures and court hearings have been related to the massive oil ...
Dad-to-be Callum is not too keen on the birth process, and admits he doesn't want to go down the business end during labour.
MARINE manager Kevin Lynch has reshaped his squad as the side move into the "business end" of the season.
The Welsh Rugby Union and the regions have committed to the showpiece for the next four years, and believe its place in the schedule, shortly after the end of the Six Nations and at what WRU chief executive Roger Lewis described as "the business end of the season," is where it belongs.
ANTHONY STOKES believes Celtic are better equipped for the "business end" of the season than last year as they close in on the first part of a possible treble.
Summary: The business end of the World Cup will end soon for an estimated 400,000 South African workers, as their temporary work concludes with the start of the tournament.
THREE North Midlands bowlers are in action in Blackpool this Sunday for the 2010 Spring Waterloo tournament but the pre-tournament betting shows they are not expected to figure at the business end of the event.
The 7-1 chance was soon sent to the front by O'Connell and when it came to the business end he had a tremendous struggle with Border Tale, the judge having to call on the photograph to separate them.
WITH the business end of the season rapidly approaching, Widnes cannot afford any more slip-ups if they are to have any chance of overtaking leaders Burnage at the top of South Lancs/Cheshire One.
With improvement likely, the daughter of Reel Buddy could definitely make a fist of things, especially if Adam Kirby can get her off to a quick start, as she has rather walked out of the stalls on both her runs, leaving herself too much to do at the business end.
I'M BRACING myself for more conspiracy theories as we head towards the business end of the season.
"Now we're at the business end of the competition we wanted to avoid United or Chelsea.