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bust up

B2 informal separable both
In simple words

To break something badly, or to split up with someone after a big argument.

Literal meaning: To bust (break) something up (apart).

Meanings

1 B2 informal

To damage or destroy something physically.

"The drunk driver busted up three parked cars before the police stopped him."

Grammar: separable
2 B2 idiomatic informal

To end a romantic relationship or friendship, usually after a serious argument.

"They busted up after five years together when she found out he had been lying to her."

3 B2 informal

To stop or break up a fight, gathering, or organisation by force.

"Security guards moved in to bust up the brawl before anyone got seriously hurt."

Grammar: separable
Usage notes

Common in British and American informal English. 'A bust-up' (noun) means a serious fight or argument. The relationship sense is especially common in British English. Can also mean physically damaging something badly.

Commonly used with

fight couple marriage relationship party car

Forms

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

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Synonyms

break up split up smash up wreck damage separate

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