bust a gut

Slang definitions & phrases for bust a gut

bust a gut

verb phrase

BUST one's ASS ( first form 1912+)


Idioms and Phrases with bust a gut

bust a gut

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Also, burst a gut.
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Exert one-self to the utmost. For example, He was busting a gut trying to please her . This hyperbolic term alludes to hurting one's mid-section through physical straining. The first slangy term dates from the early 1900s, the variant from about 1700. For a synonym, see break one's ass
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Explode with strong feeling, especially laughter or anger. For example, Gene almost bust a gut laughing, or The foreman will burst a gut when he learns that the machine isn't repaired. The former dates from the late 1800s, the latter from about 1940.