be on the wrong end of (something)

To have an unfavorable or problematic relationship with something and thus endure negative consequences or effects. Unless you want to be a police suspect, you can't be seen with me, now that I'm on the wrong end of the law. That elderly couple lost their life savings because they were on the wrong end of a pyramid scheme. In their first home game after a road trip, the team found themselves on the wrong end of a 4-0 shutout.