bust

1. n. a failure.

□ The whole project was a bust from the beginning.

□ My whole life is a bust.

2. tv. to reduce someone’s rank. (Originally military, now also in civilian use as with the police.)

□ I’m going to bust you to private!

□ The brass busted her on the spot.

3. n. a riotous drinking party.

□ There was a big bust in the park until two in the morning.

□ There was no beer at the bust. Only wine.

4. n. a raid by the police.

□ The cops staged a bust on Max’s place.

□ I knew it was a bust the minute they broke in the door.

5. tv. [for the police] to raid a place.

□ The bacon busted Bill’s bar and put Bill in the slammer.

□ We’re gonna bust every bookie joint in town.

6. tv. to arrest someone.

□ The feds finally busted Frank on a tax rap. D A smokey busted Fred for not having a tail-light.

7. n. an arrest.

□ The bust was carried off without much stress.

□ What a bust! The man was hollering and the kids were scoffing like mad.

8. tv. to inform on someone, leading to an arrest.

□ I guess I busted Frank, but they threatened me.

□ Tom busted Sam because there’s bad blood between them.

9. n. the police.

□ The bust is gonna find you no matter where you hole up.

□ Here comes the bust. Beat it! 1

0. Go to busted.