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to bust a gut
01
to try one's best to do or achieve something
02
to laugh really hard, particularly to the point that one's stomach hurts
What is the origin of the idiom "bust a gut" and when to use it?
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.
Example
During the family gathering, the funny stories and anecdotes had everyone laughing so hard 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.
We busted a gut trying to get home on time.
When they watched the comedy show together, they all laughed so much 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.