BUST A GUT (TO DO SOMETHING)

bust a gut (to do something): translation

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 nonstandard 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.