1. To physically attack someone, as with punches and other blows, such that they suffer significant injury; to beat someone up. Often used in the context of a threat. The captain of the football team swore he would bust me wide open if I ever talked to his girlfriend again. I can't believe that skinny kid busted the school bully wide open!

2. To expose something scandalous or deceptive or make it subject to closer scrutiny. That company's stock price plummeted after the media busted the CEO's embezzlement scandal wide open. An anonymous tip to the police is what busted the theft ring wide open.