be busted

Idioms  

1. Also, go bust . Become bankrupt, financially ruined. For example, Who knew that the brokerage firm would be busted ? [ Slang ; early 1800s] Also see under go broke .

2. Also, get busted . Be demoted, as in If you're caught gambling you'll get busted to private . This usage originated in the military and still most often denotes a reduction in rank. [c. 1800]

3. Also, get busted . Be arrested or turned over to the police, as in The gang members were sure they'd get busted . [Mid-1900s]

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

be busted

In that scenario, it would be busted down one or more divisions and forced to work its way back up over the course of several seasons.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 30, 2026

“It’s important that Mathews underestimate him. And to do that, I wanted him to be busted, like, ‘Is this guy going to make it through the afternoon, let alone solve the case?’”

From Los Angeles Times ● Jan. 7, 2025

It’s unlikely the years-long drought will be busted, but a deeper dent in the deficit is at the very least probable.

From Washington Post ● Jan. 6, 2023

The deer were sniffing the air and Charles was sure he was about to be busted.

From Washington Times ● Nov. 1, 2016

“Not, I grant you, but what his manners is given to blusterous,” said Joe, apologetically; “still, a Englishman’s ouse is his Castle, and castles must not be busted ’cept when done in war time.

From "Great Expectations" by Charles Dickens

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---