bust

The word "bust" is a bit of a chameleon, changing meaning with context. In everyday speech, one common verb sense means to break, crack, or force open something. For example, a demolition crew might "bust down" a wall, or a person might "bust a lock" to get into a room.

Over time, "bust" has also developed other idiomatic meanings. As a verb or adjective, it can refer to failure or bankruptcy, as in "The startup went bust within a year." In this sense, a "bust" can be a noun for a complete disappointment: "The party was a complete bust because nobody showed up." You can also say, "I busted my diet," if you broke a strict food rule.

Perhaps most widely used today, "bust" refers to an arrest or police action. "The police busted the ringleaders for possession of illegal substances." This usage is a standard way to say someone was caught doing something they shouldn't have been doing, and "getting busted" has become very common in spoken English.

Historically, and still in use today, a "bust" is a sculpted portrait showing only the person's head, shoulders, and upper chest. This artistic term led to the word being used to describe a woman's chest measurement—as in, "a 36-inch bust."

Finally, you might hear the phrase "bust a move," which means to start dancing or to take action in a bold way. Whether something is physically broken, a plan has gone awry, someone's been caught by the law, or you're looking at a piece of sculpture, "bust" is a versatile word with a surprisingly rich history.