sharp edge of an attack; brunt of criticism
Refers to the most intense or pointed part of an attack, argument, or criticism. Often used in phrases like 鋭鋒を避ける (to dodge the brunt) or 鋭鋒をかわす (to parry the sharpest criticism). Somewhat formal and literary.
He skillfully parried the sharpest questions from the reporters.
The minister, exposed to the brunt of the opposition's attack, was at a loss for a reply.
Compound of 鋭 (ei, 'sharp') and 鋒 (hō, 'point of a sword or spear'), literally meaning 'sharp point'. The figurative sense of a sharp attack or criticism is a natural extension.