# bust one's chops

idiom

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

## Meaning

To exert oneself.

## Examples

- I am busting my chops to finish this project on time.
- He has been busting his chops all week to prepare for the big presentation at work.
- Despite the exhaustion of the final semester, she continued to bust her chops in the library until she mastered every difficult concept.

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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.