sticky end: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Informal for the idiomatic meaning; Highly Technical for the molecular biology meaning.
Quick answer
What does “sticky end” mean?
A literal or figurative ending that is unpleasant, difficult, or characterized by trouble.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A literal or figurative ending that is unpleasant, difficult, or characterized by trouble.
1) (Idiomatic) An unpleasant, unfortunate, or violent conclusion, especially death. 2) (Molecular Biology) An end of a DNA double helix where one strand of nucleotides extends further than the other.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The idiomatic expression 'come to a sticky end' is significantly more common and established in British English. In American English, it is understood but used less frequently, often perceived as a Britishism.
Connotations
In British English, it can carry a tone of dark humor or inevitability in storytelling. In American English, its use may sound deliberately quaint or literary.
Frequency
High frequency in UK informal/ narrative contexts; Low-to-medium frequency in US, primarily in written or influenced by UK media.
Grammar
How to Use “sticky end” in a Sentence
[Subject] + come to + a sticky end[Event/action] + lead to + a sticky end for + [person]Vocabulary
Collocations
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically: 'The poorly planned merger came to a sticky end.'
Academic
Almost exclusively in genetics/molecular biology texts to describe DNA fragments.
Everyday
Used conversationally, especially in the UK, to describe any unfortunate outcome, from minor mishaps to major disasters.
Technical
Standard term in molecular biology for a type of DNA terminus created by certain restriction enzymes, crucial for recombinant DNA technology.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “sticky end”
- Using 'sticky end' without the article 'a' (e.g., 'He came to sticky end').
- Confusing the idiom with a literal description of something physically sticky (e.g., 'The lollipop left a sticky end').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, especially in British English. It can describe any messy or unfortunate conclusion, like a failed project or relationship, though it originates from more severe contexts.
No, they are complete homonyms (words that sound the same). The biology term is a literal description of the DNA strand's ability to 'stick' (hydrogen bond) to a complementary sequence.
'Come to' is by far the most common collocation, forming the fixed phrase 'come to a sticky end.' 'Meet (with)' is also frequently used.
Use it precisely to describe the overhanging, single-stranded ends of a DNA fragment that are complementary to another sticky end. Example: 'The restriction digest produced fragments with compatible sticky ends.'
A literal or figurative ending that is unpleasant, difficult, or characterized by trouble.
Sticky end is usually informal for the idiomatic meaning; highly technical for the molecular biology meaning. in register.
Sticky end: in British English it is pronounced /ˈstɪki ɛnd/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈstɪki ɛnd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “come to a sticky end”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a fly trapped on sticky tape – its story has come to a very literal 'sticky end.' This image captures the idiom's sense of being trapped in an unpleasant conclusion.
Conceptual Metaphor
MISFORTUNE IS A STICKY SUBSTANCE (you get trapped in it, it's hard to escape).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'sticky end' a formal, technical term?