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Jackson6612 Posted 14 years ago
Grammar

On the receiving end of...

Hi

The following was the headline of a news story today: On the receiving end of Israeli 'impunity'. The full story can be found here. I think the author has used the wording sarcastically, right? If that is the receiving end, then what would call the other end in the given context? Please help me. Thank you.

Regards
Jackson
  

Top answer

It is an unusual usage of the word impunity but I didn't think it is sarcastic. The Isrealis have impunity and the activists pay the price since the army can do anything they want without consequenses.

— EdmontonCanada

  • It is an unusual usage of the word impunity but I didn't think it is sarcastic.
  • The Isrealis have impunity and the activists pay the price since the army can do anything they want without consequenses.
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3 Answers
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It is an unusual usage of the word impunity but I didn't think it is sarcastic. The Isrealis have impunity and the activists pay the price since the army can do anything they want without consequenses.
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Thank you, EC.

I still think it's sarcastic. This is how I think about this. If the girl who died is considered 'on the receiving end', then don't you think it's sarcastic? Isn't it the girl? Perhaps, I have it wrong.

What would be the antonym of 'receiving end' in this context?

Thank you.

Regards
Jackson
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I think you may be on to something. At first I didn't understand why they used the word impunity. I thought it might be improper word usage. The quotations around impunity could imply sarcasm.
Now I think the juxtaposition of impunity with helplessness helps to contrast the two positions. The army has impunity and the protesters are lambs to the slaughter.
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