break/bust one’s ass
Definition: To exert oneself to the utmost degree; to work very hard. This rather vulgar usage dates from the first half of the 1900s. Norman Mailer had it in his war novel, The Naked and the Dead (1948): “What’re we breakin’ our asses for? Let’s take it easy.” Sometimes “butt” is substituted for “ass.” Related idioms include “work one’s tail off” and “burn the midnight oil.”
Synonyms:
- Work one’s tail off
- Burn the midnight oil
- Pull out all the stops
- Give 110%
Antonyms:
- Take it easy
- Slack off
- Put one’s feet up
- Coast along
Humor-filled Quotes:
- “If hard work is the key to success, most people would rather pick the lock.” —Claude McDonald
- “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.” —Bill Gates
Proverbs:
- “No pain, no gain.”
- “Many hands make light work.”
Related and Similar Terms:
- Work like a dog
- Sweat blood
- Give it one’s all
- Put one’s nose to the grindstone
Literature & Book References:
- The Grapes of Wrath by John Steinbeck – A tale that beautifully illustrates the extreme exertion and resilience in the face of hardship.
- The Long Haul by Finn Murphy – Chronicles the demanding yet rewarding life of a long-haul truck driver.
Songs & Poetry:
- “Working Class Hero” by John Lennon – A song that criticizes the societal pressures to break one’s ass.
- “9 to 5” by Dolly Parton – Captures the relentless grind of everyday work.
Movies:
- Working Girl (1988) – Illustrates the hustle and perseverance of a young secretary in the corporate world.
- Rocky (1976) – A classic film that epitomizes the idea of busting one’s ass to achieve greatness.
Farewell Thought: As B. E. Trooper always said, “In the throes of life and hard work, remember that breaking your back for what you believe in is often the prelude to building a stronger, more resilient you. Keep pushing forward, even when it feels like you’re busting your ass!”
