bust a gut to do something

bust a gut

slang

1. To put forth a great deal of effort. I've been busting a gut trying to get a passing grade this semester, so failing by two measly points is incredibly frustrating. Don't bust a gut trying to please these people—they'll never appreciate it. What am I going to do? I busted a gut all morning and still can't remember what the password is!

2. To start laughing suddenly or uncontrollably. Often expanded as "bust a gut laughing." The kids busted a gut when the clown fell down on stage. I nearly bust a gut laughing at that comedy show—I could barely breathe! I was mortified when the boys suddenly busted a gut in the middle of the church service.

3. To react furiously or violently, to the point of losing control of one's behavior. Mom totally busted a gut when I told her I had failed math. Don't bust a gut, it's just a tiny scratch on the car. Oh man, the boss is gonna bust a gut when he hears we've lost that big client.

See also: bust, gut

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

bust a gut (to do something)

tv. to make a great effort (to do something). (Usually objectionable.) I busted a gut trying to get just the thing you wanted!

See also: bust, gut, something, to

McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions Copyright © 2006 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.