When was the last time you were at your wits end? What happened?

To be very worried and upset because you have tried every possible way to solve a problem but can not do it.

When was the last time you were at a loose end? What did you do?
To have nothing to do.

When was the last time you got the wrong end of the stick? What happened?
To not understand a situation correctly.

Do you enjoy being at the sharp end? Why (not)?

the part of an activity, such as a job, where the most problems are likely to be found