bust Definition
- 1to break something
- 2to arrest someone
- 3a sculpture of a person's head, shoulders, and chest
- 4a failure
Using bust: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "bust" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He bust the vase while cleaning the room.
Example
The police busted the drug dealer in a sting operation.
Example
The museum had a collection of ancient Greek busts.
Example
The company went bust due to poor management.
bust Synonyms and Antonyms
Idioms Using bust
Example
The company went bust after the CEO embezzled funds.
bust a gut
to work extremely hard or make a great effort
Example
I've been busting a gut to finish this project on time.
Example
My friends are always busting my balls about my taste in music.
Phrases with bust
Example
My boss is always busting my chops about deadlines.
Example
The DJ played some great music and everyone was busting a move on the dance floor.
Example
I hate to bust your bubble, but you didn't get the job.
Origins of bust
from Old Norse 'bysta', meaning 'to break'
Summary: bust in Brief
The term 'bust' [bʌst] has several meanings. As a verb, it can mean to break something or to arrest someone. As a noun, it can refer to a sculpture of a person's head, shoulders, and chest or a failure. It also has various idiomatic expressions like 'bust one's chops' and 'bust a move.' 'Bust' can be used formally in contexts like sculpture and failure, and informally as 'broke' and 'flop.'