[bust] a gut
1
to try one's best to do or achieve something
- She busted a gut trying to finish the project on time.
- The team worked tirelessly and busted a gut to deliver the report on time.
- I had to bust a gut just to keep up with the workload.
- She busted a gut preparing for the final exams, but it paid off.
- Lifting those heavy boxes all day, he really busted a gut.
2
to laugh really hard, particularly to the point that one's stomach hurts
The origin of the idiom "bust a gut" is not definitively documented. However, it likely evolved from the idea that laughing extremely hard could lead to the sensation of physical strain or discomfort in the abdominal area, which is colloquially referred to as the "gut." The expression is thought to have been coined as a playful and colorful way to convey the idea of finding something exceedingly funny.
- The stand-up comedian's performance was so hilarious that the audience nearly busted a gut from laughing so hard.
- When they watched the comedy show together, they all laughed so much that they thought they might bust a gut.
- Jane's witty jokes had her friends laughing so intensely that they feared they would bust a gut.
- During the family gathering, the funny stories and anecdotes had everyone laughing so hard that they thought they might bust a gut.
- The unexpected comedic twist in the movie had the whole cinema laughing so heartily that it seemed like they might bust a gut.