sharp end
1
6.0
- noun
:
punto afilado
- But problems can arise when you are getting nearer the sharp end of a job offer.
Examples
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Be careful with that tool; the sharp end can easily cut you.
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They are informed of the risk of cuts from the sharp ends of electrical wire, scissors, and wire cutters; are taught how to appropriately use wire cutters; and are monitored at all times.
Academic text (2008) -
So really the kind of very sharp end of things for a relatively small number of students.
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You just have to keep away from the sharp end.
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You want to go after their CinC or the suits in the Pentagon, fine, but leave the troops on the sharp end out of it.
Blog text (12) -
During the exercise, we had to face the sharp end of the challenge, which tested our skills.
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The sharp end of the pencil was broken, making it difficult to write clearly.
Synonyms
550
1.0
The sharp end of something like a knife or mountain
346
1.2
The pointed end of something like a knife or pencil
8
3.6
The sharp side of a blade that slices food or other things
1
4.7
A very sharp cutting edge like a knife blade
The sharp point at the end of a knife that can cut
How Dangerous
Surface Forms
Morphology
The primary meaning (the pointed or cutting extremity of an object) is directly composed from 'sharp' (having an edge or point) + 'end' (outer extremity), so a B1 learner who knows both words will readily infer the literal sense. The figurative sense ('the most risky or challenging part') follows a straightforward metaphorical extension from the literal image of a dangerous point, a mapping that is cross-linguistically common and therefore likely interpretable without prior exposure.
Etymology
Sharp end comes from the clear picture of the sharp part at the end of a tool, like the tip of a knife or broken glass that can cut you. So, being at the sharp end means being in the 'most risky' or most dangerous part of a job or situation.