Know Your English (Jan 2002)-13

Know your English

What is the meaning of the expression "on the receiving end"?

When you are "on the receiving end" of something bad or unpleasant, you are the person who suffers. You are the individual who is subjected to hurt and humiliation. One can also "be at the receiving end" of something bad. Here are a few examples.

*The newly appointed lecturer was at the receiving end of all the bullying and ragging.

*Whenever something bad happens, you can be sure that poor Rahul is always at the receiving end.

*He was on the receiving end of all the hatred that she felt for men in general.

Source:

The Hindu daily, Tuesday, Jan 22, 2002