split (redirected from splitting a gut)

*split second

an instant; a tiny period of time. (*Typically: for ~; in ~.) The lightning struck, and in a split second the house burst into flames. For a split second, it looked like she would fall.

See also: second

(I've) got to split.

Inf. Fig. I have to leave now. (See also (I) have to shove off for other possible variations.) Jane: Look at the time! Got to split. Mary: See you later, Jane. Bill: It's getting late. I've got to split. Sue: Okay, see you tomorrow. Bill: Good night.

See also: got

(It's) time to run. and (It's) time to move along.; (It's) time to push along.; (It's) time to push off.; (It's) time to split.

Inf. an announcement of one's desire or need to depart. (See also (I) have to shove off and (It's) time to hit the road for an illustration of other possible variations.) Andy: Time to push off. I've got to get home. Henry: See you, dude. John: It's time to split. I've got to go. Sue: Okay. See you tomorrow.

See also: run, time

divide something fifty-fifty and split something fifty-fifty

to divide something into two equal parts. (The fifty means 50 percent.) Tommy and Billy divided the candy fifty-fifty. The robbers split the money fifty-fifty.

See also: divide

split someone or something up (into something)

to divide people or things up into something, such as groups. I had to split the group up into two sections—there were so many who showed up. I split up the class into two discussion sections.

See also: up

split someone or something with someone or something

to divide someone or something with someone or a group of people. I will split the campers with you. You lead your half on the hike, and I will lead my half. Will you split your candy bar with me?

split something between (someone and someone else) and split something between (something and something else)

to divide something between two people or things. The cook split the last of the pie between Jane and Carla. We have to split the copies of the reports between the two committees.

split something into something

to divide or sever something into something. Jeff split the log into four parts. Please split this log in half so it will burn better.

split something off (of) something and split something off

to sever connection with something; to separate from something. (Of is usually retained before pronouns.) Dave split a piece of wood off the log to use for kindling. He split off a stick of wood.

split a gut and bust a gut 

1. Fig. Inf. to laugh very hard. He laughed until he nearly split a gut. The clown made me bust a gut laughing.

2. Fig. Inf. to work very hard. I split a gut to get this place fixed up in a week. Don't bust a gut cleaning up for me. I love things that are a bit messy.

See also: gut

split hairs

Fig. to quibble; to try to make petty distinctions. They don't have any serious differences. They are just splitting hairs. Don't waste time splitting hairs. Accept it the way it is.

See also: hair

split in something

to divide into a certain number of groups. (The something can be half, thirds, two, quarters, etc.) Lightning struck the big tree and the trunk split in half. The vase dropped and split in quarters.

split off (from something)

to separate away from something; to sever connection with and separate from something. A large iceberg split off from the glacier and made an enormous splash. A giant chunk of ice split off and floated away.

split one's sides (with laughter)

Fig. to laugh so hard that one's sides almost split. (Always an exaggeration.) The members of the audience almost split their sides with laughter. When I heard what happened to Patricia, I almost split my sides.

See also: side

split people up

to separate two or more people (from one another). If you two don't stop chattering, I'll have to split you up. I will have to split up that twosome in the corner.

See also: people, up

split the difference

to divide the difference evenly (with someone else). You want to sell for $120, and I want to buy for $100. Let's split the difference and close the deal at $110. I don't want to split the difference. I want $120.

See also: difference

split up (with someone)

[for someone] to separate from someone; to break up a marriage or love affair. Jeff split up with Judy. I had heard that they had split up with each other.

See also: up

vote a split ticket

Fig. to cast a ballot on which one's votes are divided between two or more parties. I always vote a split ticket since I detest both parties. Mary voted a split ticket for the first time in her life.

See also: ticket, vote

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lickety-split  (mainly American informal)

very quickly He drove off lickety-split down the highway.

split your sides (laughing)

to laugh a lot at something We nearly split our sides laughing watching Paul trying to give the rabbit a bath.

See also: side

split hairs

to argue about whether details that are not important are exactly correct 'She earns three time what I earn.' 'Actually, it's more like two and a half.' 'Oh stop splitting hairs!'

See also: hair

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split hairs

to argue about very small differences or unimportant details It's splitting hairs to tell people that they cannot lie but it is all right if they exaggerate.

See also: hair

split the difference

1. to accept only part of what was originally wanted When they don't agree, she's always trying to get them to split the difference so everyone will be happy. Related vocabulary: meet somebody halfway

2. to each pay half of an amount I told the owners that we could split the difference between their price and my offer.

See also: difference