bust my chops

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiominformalAmerican

   to criticize or tease someone, often in an annoying or persistent way

   Grammar: Used with a possessive adjective: bust my/his/her/your chops. The object comes after 'bust'.

   Patterns

   • bust someone's chops
   • bust my chops about something

   My older brother is always busting my chops about my messy room.

   The boss busted her chops for arriving late three days in a row.

   Stop busting my chops—I already said I was sorry.

2. 2phraseidiominformalAmerican

   to work very hard or make a great effort

   Grammar: Often used in the progressive form, e.g. 'busting my chops'.

   Patterns

   • bust one's chops
   • bust my chops to do something

   I've been busting my chops all week to finish this project on time.

   She busted her chops for years to get that promotion.

   They busted their chops cleaning the entire house before the guests arrived.

Common combinations

bust someone's chops about something

He kept busting my chops about my new haircut.

bust someone's chops for doing something

The coach busted his chops for missing practice.

bust one's chops to do something

I busted my chops to get here on time, and you're still complaining.

stop busting my chops

Stop busting my chops—I'm doing my best.

Synonyms and how they differ

criticize

More formal and general; it does not suggest teasing or nagging.

tease

Focuses on making fun of someone playfully, without the idea of harsh criticism.

nag

Means to keep complaining or asking repeatedly, often in an annoying way; it does not include the idea of working hard.

Opposites

Commonly confused: bust my chops or bust a gut?

Practice

Make it your own

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

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