ENGLISH
REFERENCE

bust a move

idiom
Meaning

To dance.


Origin

first recorded 20th c.

Ellipsis of bust out a move (“break out a move”), in reference to unveiling or demonstrating a move from one's repertoire of dance moves. The original usage of this phrase is "to dance." The term appeared in the 1986 song “Posse in Effect” by Beastie Boys, in which M.C.A. said “Pay attention, my intention is to bust a move.” It was then popularized in the 1989 single of the same name by rapper Young MC, who tells (in the song) of his several attempts to find (or seduce) a woman in various places and failing to be able to do so because he can't dance; he isn't able to "bust a move."

Examples
SIMPLE

The music started and he began to bust a move.

CONTEXTUAL

When the DJ played her favorite song, she could not help but get on the floor and bust a move.

COMPLEX

Despite his initial hesitation, the shy guest eventually found his rhythm and decided to bust a move on the crowded dance floor.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bust a cap

    To fire a weapon; to shoot with a gun.

  2. 02

    bust a nut

    To ejaculate.

  3. 03

    bust ass

    To work hard, especially when trying to achieve a goal.

  4. 04

    bust chops

    To nag; to berate or hound in an effort to elicit action.

  5. 05

    bust on

    To make a joke concerning; to ridicule or make fun of.

  6. 06

    bust one's balls

    To work very hard; to put in a lot of effort.

  7. 07

    bust one's butt

    To work exceptionally hard.

  8. 08

    bust one's chops

    To exert oneself.

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