bust a gut

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiominformal

   To make a very great effort to do something.

   Grammar: Used as a verb phrase: 'bust a gut to do something' or 'bust a gut doing something'. Often in negative sentences: 'don't bust a gut'.

   Patterns

   • bust a gut to do something
   • bust a gut doing something
   • don't bust a gut

   She busted a gut to finish the report on time.

   You don't need to bust a gut over this; it's not that important.

   He busted a gut trying to get everything ready for the party.

2. 2phraseidiominformal

   To laugh very hard and uncontrollably.

   Grammar: Often followed by 'laughing': 'bust a gut laughing'. Also 'bust a gut' alone in context.

   Patterns

   • bust a gut laughing

   The comedy was so funny I nearly bust a gut laughing.

   We busted a gut at his jokes.

Common combinations

bust a gut to do something

He busted a gut to get the project done on time.

bust a gut laughing

I busted a gut laughing at that video.

don't bust a gut

Don't bust a gut; we have plenty of time.

bust a gut over something

She busted a gut over the wedding plans.

Synonyms and how they differ

knock yourself out

Also informal and means to work very hard, but often used as a command or permission, not as a description.

break your back

Similar meaning of working extremely hard, but it can also suggest physical labor and is slightly more formal.

go all out

Means to make a great effort, but it often implies using all available resources, not just personal effort.

Opposites

Commonly confused: bust a gut or bust a move?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “bust a gut”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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