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on the receiving end of

ExpressionLevel B2

The person who gets something, often something unpleasant.

Kofi was on the receiving end of a very angry email.

'On the receiving end (of something)' means being the person who receives it. It is often something bad, like criticism, but can be good too.

Your turn
When were you last on the receiving end of a nice surprise?

More expressions

for lack of a better way of putting itExpression · B2

Said when you can't find the perfect words, so you use the closest ones.

get sick ofExpression · B1

To become tired of something or someone because you have had too much of it.

give or takeExpression · B2

'Give or take' means about, with a small amount more or less.