be busted
1. To be bankrupt or without money. I wagered all I owned on that investment, and now I am completely busted. A: "We're going to make millions on this!" B: "Yeah, unless the housing market shifts, then you guys will be busted." I was busted after being out of work for so long, but things are a lot better now that I've got a new, steady job.
2. In the military, to be demoted in rank. The four lieutenants were caught with drugs and alcohol, and all were subsequently busted to the rank of cadet. Man, we can't do something that stupid, or we'll be busted to private! You're lucky to only be busted to cadet, rather than being kicked out altogether.
3. To be arrested by the police. I told you we'd be busted if we tried to sell alcohol without a license! I have to go down to the police station—it seems my son was busted while looting a warehouse. I heard he was busted for stealing cigarettes.
4. To be caught in the act of wrongdoing, bad behavior, or lying. I was busted by my parents when I tried sneaking into the house after curfew last night. I saw what you did, you are so busted! Alyssa, how do you always manage to sneak out and go to parties? I'm always busted by my mom before I get a toe outside the house.
5. To be broken, physically damaged, or in a state of disrepair. Ah, no one can get this car to run, it's completely busted. A: "I thought you were making a smoothie." B: "I was going to, but it seems the blender is busted." If your phone is busted already, that's too bad—your mother and I are not paying for a new one!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
be busted
1. Also,
go bust. Become bankrupt, financially ruined. For example,
Who knew that the brokerage firm would be busted? [
Slang; early 1800s] Also see under
go broke.
2. Also, get busted. Be demoted, as in If you're caught gambling you'll get busted to private. This usage originated in the military and still most often denotes a reduction in rank. [c. 1800]
3. Also, get busted. Be arrested or turned over to the police, as in The gang members were sure they'd get busted. [Mid-1900s]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.