dirt broke

USAGE SUMMARY

"dirt broke" is a correct and commonly used idiom in written English.
It is an adjective phrase used to mean "extremely poor," and it is usually used to emphasize a person's poverty. For example: "He was so dirt broke that he had to take on a second job just to make ends meet."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

I was dirt broke, and then wasn't".

TechCrunch

Like I was just dirt broke.

Vice

You have to either be dirt broke and you leave school.

Huffington Post

Beauty-tip books, prostate health books, books on how to retire to places where you can live the life of Riley even though you are dirt broke.

Huffington Post

The furrows were dry and bulging and Beatrice liked how it felt when the dirt broke underneath her Muck Boots.

The New Yorker

Yet here I sit in my Megadeth T-shirt, dirt broke, middle-aged, downing a carton of vanilla ice cream and spilling it on my computer keyboard.

The New York Times - Style

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

Was that entry fee holding back a massive crowd of dirt-broke developers?

TechCrunch

Broke it.

The New York Times

"Broke what?" "Broke what breaks".

The New Yorker

"Broke Britannia!

The Economist

Feeling broke?

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "dirt broke" to emphasize a state of extreme poverty, often highlighting a stark contrast with a previous or desired financial state. For instance, "He went from being a successful entrepreneur to being dirt broke after the market crash."

Common error

Avoid using "dirt broke" in contexts where a mild or temporary financial difficulty is meant. The phrase is best reserved for situations of significant financial hardship. If you mean to convey a temporary lack of funds, phrases like "short on cash" or "strapped for money" are more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "dirt broke" functions as an adjective phrase, modifying a noun or pronoun to describe a state of extreme poverty. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is used to emphasize the severity of the financial situation, highlighting the person's lack of resources.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "dirt broke" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon adjective phrase used to describe a state of extreme poverty. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and common usage. It primarily appears in news and media contexts to emphasize financial hardship. While "flat broke", "penniless", and "destitute" are semantically similar alternatives, it is crucial to reserve "dirt broke" for situations of significant financial distress and avoid using it for minor or temporary cash flow issues.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

flat broke

This alternative is a more common and slightly more informal synonym.

penniless

This alternative emphasizes the complete absence of money.

destitute

This alternative implies a state of extreme poverty and lacking basic necessities.

impoverished

This alternative suggests a long-term state of poverty.

strapped for cash

This alternative indicates a temporary shortage of money.

without a penny to one's name

This alternative emphasizes the complete lack of financial resources.

in dire straits financially

This alternative highlights the severity of the financial situation.

on one's last legs financially

This alternative suggests a near-failure state of financial standing.

in the red

This alternative signifies being in debt or having a negative balance.

broke as a joke

This alternative adds a humorous tone to the expression of being broke.

FAQs

How can I use "dirt broke" in a sentence?

You can use "dirt broke" to describe someone who is extremely poor. For example, "After losing his job, he was "dirt broke" and struggling to pay rent".

What are some alternatives to saying "dirt broke"?

Alternatives include "flat broke", "penniless", or "destitute", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it grammatically correct to say "dirt broke"?

Yes, "dirt broke" is a grammatically correct and commonly used idiom to describe someone who is extremely poor.

What is the difference between "broke" and "dirt broke"?

"Broke" simply means having no money, while "dirt broke" emphasizes a more severe and extreme state of poverty. It implies a deeper level of financial hardship than just being "broke".