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bust out

B2 informal separable both
In simple words

To escape from somewhere, or to suddenly take something out and use it.

Literal meaning: To bust (break) out of something.

Meanings

1 B2 informal

To escape from a place of confinement, especially prison.

"Two inmates busted out of the county jail by cutting through a ventilation duct."

Grammar: inseparable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To suddenly produce or use something, often to impress others.

"After dinner, he busted out an acoustic guitar and started playing old folk songs."

Grammar: separable
3 B2 idiomatic informal

To suddenly begin a strong emotional or physical reaction (laughing, crying, etc.).

"She busted out laughing when she saw the dog wearing a tiny hat."

Usage notes

Very versatile informal American English term. 'Bust out of prison' (escape), 'bust out the guitar' (produce suddenly), and 'bust out laughing' (begin suddenly) are all common patterns. The 'produce suddenly' sense often implies showing off.

Commonly used with

prison jail guitar moves laughter snacks

Forms

Base
bust out
I/you/we/they
3rd person
busts out
he/she/it
Past simple
busted out
yesterday
Past participle
busted out
have + pp
-ing form
busting out
continuous

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Synonyms

break out escape pull out produce whip out spring free

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