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Words and Their StoriesLearning Expressions with VOA
Processed with VS1Compare informal phrases for courage, instinct, intense laughter, and sharing personal details.
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Source: VOA Learning English · Words and Their Stories
View original article & transcript“Have the guts” means have the courage to do something difficult. “No guts, no glory” links risk-taking with possible success, but it is a slogan rather than a guarantee. A “gut feeling” is an intuitive impression, while “spill your guts” means share personal information. “Bust a gut” can describe laughing very hard.
Cultural note: “Spill your guts” can imply revealing private information; do not pressure someone to disclose more than they wish. “Hate someone’s guts” is harsh and childish-sounding, so it is included only as recognition, not as a phrase to practice. Gut feelings are intuitions, not proof.
Keep exploringOne informal word can point to courage, instinct, laughter, or personal disclosure—context makes the difference.
Phrase guide · 5 expressions
Original explanations and examples, created for learners. Save a card for later or hear the phrase spoken by your browser.
Use informal language for courage while avoiding promises of success.
Meaning
Have the courage to do something difficult or risky.
Tone & use
Informal; it can sound admiring, but sometimes challenges someone to act.
Example
“She had the guts to ask the committee to explain its decision.”
Meaning
Without courage to take a risk, you may not achieve an important goal.
Tone & use
A motivational slogan, not a guarantee; consider whether the risk is worthwhile.
Example
“He said “no guts, no glory” before submitting the proposal, though he had also prepared a backup plan.”
Recognize intuition without treating it as evidence.
Meaning
A strong intuitive impression that is not based on deliberate reasoning.
Tone & use
Informal. Treat it as an impression to consider, not as proof that something is true.
Example
“I had a gut feeling that I had forgotten something, so I checked the travel checklist.”
Understand vivid informal phrases and their limits.
Meaning
Tell someone a lot of personal information or secrets.
Tone & use
Informal and vivid. Respect privacy; it should not be used to pressure someone to disclose.
Example
“During the interview, the athlete chose to discuss training rather than spill personal details.”
Meaning
Laugh extremely hard; in other contexts, it can mean make a great effort.
Tone & use
Very informal and context-dependent. A more neutral alternative is “laugh a lot.”
Example
“We nearly busted a gut laughing at the comedy sketch.”
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