without a cent
[wɪˈðaʊt ə sɛnt]
adjective/adverbial phrase
sem um centavo
1. in a state of complete poverty or financial destitution; having no money at all
After losing his job, he was left without a cent to his name.
Depois de perder o emprego, ele ficou sem um centavo.
2. broke; penniless; lacking any financial resources
The company went bankrupt and left investors without a cent.
A empresa faliu e deixou os investidores sem um centavo.
This expression is universally understood in English-speaking countries to convey extreme financial hardship. It reflects the historical use of 'cent' as the smallest monetary unit and carries an informal, somewhat colloquial tone. In Brazil, the equivalent phrase 'sem um centavo' is equally understood and used in both casual and formal contexts to describe financial desperation.
NYC Slang
dead broke, totally broke, busted
Related Idioms & Phrases
without a dime to your name
without two nickels to rub together
poor as a church mouse
not have a pot to piss in
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