Break one's balls meaning

To put in an extremely hard and intense effort, often to the point of exhaustion or frustration.


Break one's balls definitions

Word backwards kaerb s'eno sllab
Part of speech This phrase is a verb phrase.
Syllabic division break one's balls - break one's balls
Plural The plural of "break one's balls" would be "break one's balls."
Total letters 14
Vogais (3) e,a,o
Consonants (6) b,r,k,n,s,l

Break one's balls is a colorful idiom often used in informal speech to describe a situation where someone is putting in a lot of effort or work, usually under difficult or strenuous circumstances. This phrase is commonly used in casual conversations, movies, and literature to convey the idea of someone working hard or trying their best.

Origin of the Phrase

The origin of the phrase "break one's balls" can be traced back to the 20th century when it first appeared in American English. The term is believed to have originated from the fact that the male testicles are often associated with strength, resilience, and toughness. Therefore, the phrase "break one's balls" is used metaphorically to imply extreme effort, sacrifice, or difficult labor.

Usage in Everyday Language

When someone says they are "breaking their balls" to get something done, they are expressing the intensity of their efforts or the challenges they are facing. This expression is commonly used in a humorous or exaggerated way to emphasize the difficulty or stress of a particular task. While the phrase may sound vulgar or crass to some, it is widely accepted in informal contexts.

Alternative Expressions

There are several variations of the phrase "break one's balls," such as "busting one's chops" or "working one's butt off," which convey a similar meaning of exerting a significant amount of effort or energy to achieve a goal. These expressions are often used interchangeably depending on the speaker's preference or regional dialect.

In conclusion, the idiom "break one's balls" is a colorful and expressive way to describe hard work, determination, or perseverance in the face of challenges. While the phrase may not be suitable for formal or professional settings, it is commonly used in informal conversations to add emphasis or humor to a situation.


Break one's balls Examples

  1. I'm not going to break my balls trying to finish this project by tomorrow.
  2. Stop breaking my balls with all these unnecessary emails.
  3. I broke my balls studying for this exam, and I still failed.
  4. My boss is always breaking my balls about coming in late.
  5. I'm tired of breaking my balls for a job that doesn't appreciate my hard work.
  6. Don't break your balls trying to please everyone, focus on yourself first.
  7. I broke my balls cleaning the house, and it's already messy again.
  8. My friend always breaks my balls about my taste in music.
  9. I won't break my balls to attend the party if I'm not feeling well.
  10. Why do you always break my balls with your excuses?


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  • Updated 16/06/2024 - 14:13:06