Phrase Finder

...or bust

Posted by ESC January 06, 2006In reply to ...or bust posted by Angie on January 05, 2006

What does the phrase "...or bust" mean and where did originated from? As in, "California or bust!"

I believe "bust" has this meaning:

Main Entry: 4bust
Variant(s): or bust·ed /'b&s-t&d/
Function: adjective

BANKRUPT, BROKE Go bust.

(Merriam-Webster online)

Get to California or go broke trying. I'm not sure why it is "bust."

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