To Bust Ass Out of Meaning
Definition: To leave somewhere quickly.
Keep in mind that some consider ass vulgar, so be careful when you use this idiom. Some may find it offensive, so you will want to avoid using is in formal or academic settings.
Origin of the Bust Ass Out of Somewhere
The exact origin of this expression is unclear. However, bust out of has been around since the 1800s. This has the same meaning as break out of. Ass was probably added later to add extra emphasis.
Move your butt is another expression that means to leave quickly, so there is some precedent for this usage.
Examples of the Bust Ass Out of Somewhere
In the below example, two siblings are discussing how to get out of a family gathering.
Jordan: This family reunion is taking forever. It’s been days! I can’t take any more.
James: Me neither. What should we do?
Jordan: We can’t really do anything. Our parents won’t let us leave.
James: Then let’s just bust ass out of here! We can go get out of the house for a while. Maybe we can go see a movie or something. We’ll sneak back in before anyone notices that we are gone.
Jordan: It’s a little risky, but let’s try it!
In the second dialogue, two coworkers are trying to get out of a meeting at work.
Herman: Are you going to that meeting this afternoon? It’s supposed to be five hours long!
Alison: Yeah, I’m supposed to go, but I really don’t want to. I have lots of other work to do. I know the meeting is part of work, but I feel like it’s less important than my other projects.
Herman: I feel the same way. What do you think would happen if we just busted ass out of the meeting?
Alison: Well, first, I think we’d both be fired.
Herman: Okay, fine. You’re right.
More Examples
This excerpt is from a novel. One of the characters uses the expression to say he can’t stay long.
- “You know I’m going to have to bust ass out of here after a shower and something to eat, right?” –This Means War!
The second excerpt is also from a novel. One of the characters uses the expression to say they need to leave as soon as possible.
- “Good, because we need to bust ass out of here. We’ve overstayed our welcome.” –Joplin’s Ghost: A Novel
Summary
The phrase bust ass out of is an expression that means to get out of a place as rapidly as possible.
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