bust a gut

bust a gut

1. slang 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.
2. slang To start laughing suddenly or uncontrollably. To convey this meaning, the phrase can also be expanded to "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!
3. To react furiously and/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.
See also: bust, gut
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

bust a gut (to do something)

Fig. to work very hard; to strain oneself to accomplish something. (The word gut is considered impolite in some circumstances. Bust is a non-standard form of burst.) I don't intend to bust a gut to get there on time. I busted a gut to get there the last time, and I was the first one there.
See also: bust, gut
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.

bust a gut

Also, burst a gut.
1. Exert one-self to the utmost. For example, He was busting a gut trying to please her. This hyperbolic term alludes to hurting one's mid-section through physical straining. The first slangy term dates from the early 1900s, the variant from about 1700. For a synonym, see break one's ass.
2. Explode with strong feeling, especially laughter or anger. For example, Gene almost bust a gut laughing, or The foreman will burst a gut when he learns that the machine isn't repaired. The former dates from the late 1800s, the latter from about 1940.
See also: bust, gut
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

bust a gut

INFORMAL
If you bust a gut doing something, you work very hard at it. I was busting a gut doing horrible jobs — toilet cleaning among other things — to support us. Do your best to get it finished but don't bust a gut.
See also: bust, gut
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

bust a gut

make a strenuous effort. informal .
2001 David Moody Autumn I don't want to bust a gut building something up if we're just going to end up prisoners here.
See also: bust, gut
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

bust a ˈgut

(informal)
1 make a very great effort: I’m not going to bust a gut trying to be on time when I know she’ll probably be late.
2 (American English) laugh a lot: That show is hilarious, I bust a gut every time I watch it.
See also: bust, gut
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

bust a gut

verb
See bust a gut to do something
See also: bust, gut

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
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • bust a gut to do something
  • break (one's) back
  • break back
  • break one's back
  • break your back
  • break your back doing something/to do something
  • break your neck
  • break your neck to do something
  • break one's neck
  • break neck
References in periodicals archive
McCarthy expects Georgia to "bust a gut" in their attempts to derail Ireland's qualification hopes.
McCarthy: Nerves are now gone
The reigning double world Turn to Page 60 FORMER Great Britain World Cup star Ben Barker insists he will "bust a gut" to be a success after signing for Glasgow Tigers.
GLASMO; Legend Farah tops the bill at Emirates meet BARKER WILL ADD BITE FOR TIGERS SPEEDWAY
Do we all think he's going to bust a gut for the Foxes?
MARIO MADNESS FROM CLAUDIO
THE comments by Jonathan Walker regarding Gordon Brown nearly made me bust a gut laughing.
Disappearing act for a useless PM
But it was also the game where he learned to trust his gut - and opt for players he KNEW would bust a gut for him.
Levein: I've found faith in our boys
I shouldn't say that really because that's probably the reason why he couldn't play because he's bust a gut with his hernia problem, but he's more than keen and eager to get on the pitch."
Republic urged to give Kev a run-out
When speaking on his injury he said: "I will bust a gut to play in any game."
Painful turn of phrase
``We will bust a gut to put on the best Formula One race in the world.
MOTOR SPORT: London calling for F1
As the vast majority of rail workers are barely able to address a civil word to us, they're hardly likely to bust a gut to reunite us with our lost property, now are they?
Carole Malone column: Staff off the rails
Robin Richter claims members have "bust a gut" to find funding since the trust was set up last autumn.
APATHY HITS TRIBUTE TO RUPERT BROOKE; Lack of cash may sink plans for memorial to town's famous son
New Welsh Labour leader Rhodri Morgan last night vowed he would "bust a gut" to secure millions of pounds of development fund money from London for deprived areas of Wales.
I'll bust a gut for Welsh cash, pledges new leader
"He's busting a gut to play, I shouldn't say that really because that's probably the reason why he couldn't play because he's bust a gut with his hernia problem, but he's keen and eager to get on the pitch."
OZ CRUNCH IS PERFECT FOR KEVIN
READING striker Leroy Lita believes Serbia will bust a gut to beat England today - despite already booking their place in the Under-21 European Championship semi-finals.
Football: LEROY SERBS UP WARNING
BOLTON striker Dean Holdsworth will bust a gut to send Sam Allardyce's team into the Premiership, even though he knows he could be on his way from the Reebok as soon as the season ends.
Football: Dean's delight
READING striker Leroy Lita believes Serbia will bust a gut to beat England today - despite them already booking their place in the Under-21 European Championship semi-finals.
Football: LEROY SERBS UP WARNING