# bust one's balls

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/bust-ones-balls
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

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

## Examples

- He is busting his balls to finish the project on time.
- She has been busting her balls all week to prepare for the big presentation, so she deserves a break.
- Despite busting his balls for years to build the company from nothing, he found himself facing unexpected bankruptcy when the market suddenly collapsed.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.