at the receiving end: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘at the receiving end’ mean?
The idiom "at the receiving end" means being the person who is the target or recipient of something, typically negative or unpleasant. It implies being on the receiving side of actions, remarks, or consequences.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "on the receiving end" means being the person who is directly affected or subjected to someone else's actions or behavior. It implies being on the receiving side of something, typically negative or unpleasant.
The idiom "down the toilet" means that something has been wasted or lost in a negative or unsuccessful way.
The idiom "down at heel" refers to a person who is in a poor or shabby condition, usually due to lack of money or neglect. It suggests a decline in social or financial status.
The idiom "come to an end" means that something, like an event or a period of time, is reaching its conclusion or finishing. It indicates the completion or termination of a particular situation or activity.
The idiom "catch it" is used to convey that someone is in trouble or facing criticism or punishment for something they have done. It implies that they will face negative consequences or receive a reprimand for their actions.
The idiom "catch hell" means to receive criticism, punishment, or a scolding for something. It implies facing intense and harsh verbal or emotional attack for one's actions or behavior.
The idiom "business end" refers to the most important or functional part of something, often a tool or weapon. It is used metaphorically to describe the crucial or effective aspect of a situation or process.
The idiom "bottom of the line" refers to something or someone that is the least skilled, important, or successful. It signifies the lowest position or status in a particular context or hierarchy.
The idiom "bitter end" means to continue or persist until the very end of a difficult or challenging situation. It implies not giving up or backing down, even when the outcome seems grim or hopeless.
The idiom "big end of town" refers to the wealthy and influential people in society or the top tier of a specific industry or profession.
Hidden Power
The idiom "at the receiving end" is a commonly used expression in English. It refers to being on the receiving side of something, usually negative or unpleasant. The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is widely used in everyday language.
One possible source of the idiom can be traced back to boxing. In boxing, the receiving end refers to the side of the boxer who receives punches or blows. This suggests that the term originated in the early 20th century when boxing was a popular sport.
Alternatively, the idiom may have originated from the early days of telecommunication. In those times, manual switchboards were used, and operators physically connected calls using wires. The person waiting to be connected was at the receiving end. This interpretation of the idiom suggests that it gained popularity around the same time as telephone technology.
Regardless of its precise origins, the idiom is now used in various contexts beyond boxing or telecommunication. It is often used to describe situations where someone is on the receiving end of criticism, blame, or negative consequences. It conveys a sense of vulnerability or powerlessness in the face of what is being received.
For example, one might say, "She was constantly at the receiving end of her boss's anger," indicating that the person was frequently subjected to their boss's anger or criticism. This emphasizes the one-sided nature of the interaction, with the individual consistently receiving negative treatment.
The idiom can also describe being at the receiving end of positive or pleasant things. For instance, "He was delighted to be at the receiving end of the surprise party," indicates that the person was pleasantly surprised by the party. This shows that the idiom can be used in various contexts where the focus is on being on the receiving side.
In addition to the idiom "at the receiving end," there are related idioms that convey similar meanings. One such idiom is "on the receiving end," which is used interchangeably with "at the receiving end." It carries the same connotation of receiving something, whether positive or negative.
Another related idiom is "at the end of the day." While it may not seem directly related to "at the receiving end," it shares the theme of culmination or finality. Both idioms suggest an outcome or result, with "at the receiving end" focusing on the recipient and "at the end of the day" emphasizing the conclusion of a situation or event.
Finally, the idiom "at someone's door" is also connected to the concept of receiving something. It implies that someone is held responsible or accountable for the consequences of their actions. This idiom emphasizes the idea of being directly affected by the results of one's behavior or decisions.
The idiom "at the receiving end" is a commonly used expression that refers to being on the receiving side of something, typically negative or unpleasant. Its exact origin is uncertain, but it is believed to have originated from boxing or the early days of telecommunication. This idiom conveys a sense of vulnerability or powerlessness in the face of what is being received. It can be used in various contexts to describe both positive and negative situations. It is closely related to idioms such as "on the receiving end," "at the end of the day," and "at someone's door," which also involve the idea of receiving something.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom at the receiving end can be used in a sentence:
- He always acts provocative, but this time he's on the receiving end of a heated argument.
- She realized that her criticism had put her at the receiving end of a backlash from her colleagues.
- The company's poor customer service resulted in them being at the receiving end of numerous complaints.
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