be at the receiving end

at the receiving end

In the position of getting something (from someone else). Typically, the one "at the receiving end" is the recipient of some behavior or action perceived to be harmful or negative. Look, I know you're having a tough time at work, but I'm sick of being at the receiving end of your temper every night! I'd hate to be at the receiving end of one of his roundhouse kicks. No matter how hard I work, I always seem to be at the receiving end of the boss's ire.

See also: end, receive

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

be at (or on) the receiving end

be subjected to something unpleasant. informal

See also: end, receive

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

be on/at the reˈceiving end (of something)

(informal) be the person that an action, etc. is directed at, especially an unpleasant one: He’s been on the receiving end of a lot of criticism recently.

See also: end, on, receive

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017