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

Cano is the most prominent player to be busted since Melky Cabrera was suspended in 2012 while leading the National League in hitting.

From Washington Times ● May 16, 2018

But at some point, the bronco has to be busted.

From Washington Post ● Mar. 8, 2017

“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!

---