busted a gut
Laughed until breathless
Busted a gut means either laughed extremely hard or exerted maximum effort.
The gut-busting image suggests intensity that strains the body: We busted a gut laughing at his impression or I busted a gut getting this project done on time.
Context usually makes clear which meaning applies.
- laughedVocalized mirth
- died laughingOverwhelmed by humor fatally
- guffawedLaughed loud and heartily
- snortedExhaled sharply in disdain
- chortledLaughed in triumph
strained · cackled · roared · giggled · laughed one's head off · cracked up · exerted · toiled · labored · sweated · belly laugh · slogged · effort · pulled out all the stops · split one's sides · pushed · went the extra mile · hauled
busted a gutpoker-faced
Showing no emotion
smirked · tittered · grinned · snickered · stone-faced
busted a gutburst into tears
Cry suddenly, uncontrollably
wept · sobbed · cried · broke down · grimaced
busted a gutcrickets
Jumping insects that chirp
fell flat · bombed · died on stage · didn't land · eye-rolled
bust, busted, busting, busts, buster, busters, gut, guts, gutted