shallow pockets

USAGE SUMMARY

"shallow pockets" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It is typically used to describe someone who does not have a lot of money or resources. Example: "Despite his wealthy appearance, the businessman had shallow pockets and often struggled to pay his bills on time."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

The young players have little say in such things (along with notoriously shallow pockets).

The New York Times - Magazine

"Our school district has shallow pockets and couldn't afford the fight".

The New York Times

But shallow pockets can also create a strong, and personal, design profile.

The New York Times

Nigeria produces a lot of racy, low-budget videos, but rampant piracy and the audience's shallow pockets make big features uneconomic.

The Economist

Having the elderly dig deeper into their shallow pockets for health care is on the horizon, while hard bargaining with Big Pharma takes a pass.

The New York Times

And the movie reaches a tentative peace as she ritually buries what few bones she can find in shallow pockets of sand.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

Mr. Greene's photography appeared in many of the world's best-known magazines, but he often had to finance his travels from his own shallow pocket.

The Washington Post

Alternatives such as the shallow pocket or partially grooved externally pressurized bearing are seldom applied, in spite of their advantageous constructive simplicity.

Tribology International

The BAZ2A bromodomain is a challenging target because of the shallow pocket of its natural ligand, the acetylated side chain of lysine.

European Journal of Medicinal Chemistry

After hatching, the male parent is more active in caring for the young, sheltering them in a shallow pocket under his wing, which is formed by a pleat of skin.

Cornell University

Nearly 150 homes had to be evacuated in the neighboring Caddo Parish in April, when drillers of an Exco Resources well struck a shallow pocket of gas, causing a blowout.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "shallow pockets" when you want to subtly indicate a lack of financial resources without being overly blunt. It is an idiom that adds a touch of informality and is easily understood.

Common error

Avoid using "shallow pockets" in highly formal or sensitive contexts. While understood, it's not as direct or professional as saying "limited financial resources" or "budgetary constraints".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "shallow pockets" functions as an idiomatic expression, acting as a noun phrase to describe a lack of financial resources or limited funds. Ludwig AI indicates this usage is both correct and commonly found.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Science

27%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Wiki

4%

Academia

4%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "shallow pockets" is a common and grammatically sound idiomatic expression used to describe a lack of financial resources. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, showing it appears frequently in news and media, but also in scientific contexts. While widely understood, it's best used in neutral to informal settings, with more formal options like "limited financial resources" preferred in professional contexts. When writing, be mindful of the connotation and the audience, and consider alternative phrases to maintain the appropriate tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

limited financial resources

Replaces the idiomatic phrase with a more formal and descriptive term.

scarce funds

Emphasizes the rarity and insufficiency of available money.

meager finances

Highlights the inadequacy and smallness of financial assets.

tight budget

Focuses on the constraint and restriction of spending due to limited funds.

limited means

A general term indicating restricted access to resources, including money.

economic hardship

Refers to a difficult financial situation, often implying poverty or struggle.

financial constraints

Emphasizes the restrictions and limitations imposed by a lack of money.

shoestring budget

Implies operating on a very minimal and restricted budget.

cash-strapped

A direct adjective describing someone or something lacking cash.

penniless

Indicates a complete lack of money, often suggesting poverty.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone has "shallow pockets"?

Saying someone has "shallow pockets" means they don't have much money or financial resources. It's an idiomatic way of saying they are not wealthy or have limited funds available.

What's a more formal alternative to "shallow pockets"?

Instead of "shallow pockets", you could use phrases like "limited financial resources", "financial constraints", or "budgetary limitations" in formal contexts.

Is it appropriate to use "shallow pockets" in business writing?

While "shallow pockets" is easily understood, it's generally better to use more professional terms like "limited budget" or "financial limitations" in business writing to maintain a formal tone.

How can I use "shallow pockets" in a sentence?

You can use "shallow pockets" to describe an individual, organization, or even an industry. For example: "The startup struggled with innovation due to its shallow pockets." or "The school district's shallow pockets prevented them from affording new textbooks."