busting loose vs. breaking free

[GoodTaste]

"Israelis are busting loose" appears to mean "Israelis are breaking free" here. But is there any difference, rhetorically, between "Israelis are busting loose" and "Israelis are breaking free"?

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With most adults now vaccinated, Israelis are busting loose

Source: Washington Post

 

[tzfujimino]

I've found this. It seems to be an American expression:
https://idiomwizard.com/bust-loose/

 

[jutfrank]

The writer of the piece is likening the current situation to a party atmosphere. The expression busting loose was chosen to go along with that.

 

[Tarheel]

https://idiomwizard.com/bust-loose/

Normally, you have to choose between definitions. But not, I think, this this time. They are not breaking free from their normal, boring routine. (The covid restrictions are abnormal.) Instead, it's like they are breaking out of their cages. In fact, what is happening is life is getting back to normal.

 

[probus]

They have the same meaning but differ in tone or register. Breaking free is perfectly correct and natural, and can therefore be used in any context. Busting loose, on the other hand, is American slang and should be reserved for contexts where informality is appropriate.