dead broke

"dead broke" is the state of being without any money or any available cash reserves whatsoever. More than just broke or skint it means absolutely not having a pot to piss in. More at brassic or tapped out. It is often used in the form of an oral self-evaluation or a defensive declaration by someone hoping to convince others (e.g., a creditor) that he or she is absolutely unable to meet even a small portion of a pecuniary obligation or debt. Such a declarant may well spotlight their penniless state by pulling out and exposing their empty pockets.