Not have two beans, brain cells, etc. to rub together

usgb
phrase

To be poor or not have any money.

He's so broke, he doesn't have two beans to rub together.
Visual representation of "not have two beans, brain cells, etc. to rub together" - To be poor or not have any money

Often appears as...

  • doesn't have two beans to rub together
  • haven't got two beans to rub together

Usage tips

Informal, Disapproving

Colloquial

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "not have two beans, brain cells, etc. to rub together"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Extreme Poverty

Emphasizes a severe lack of money, more than just ordinary financial trouble.

Illustration for Extreme Poverty
After losing his job, he found himself not having two beans to rub together.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Hyperbolic Expression

Used for emphasis, not to be taken literally; implies having very little or nothing at all.

Illustration for Hyperbolic Expression
She laughed when I said I didn't have two beans to rub together, but I was serious.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Colloquial Humor

Often used in a light-hearted or joking way to describe one's financial state.

Illustration for Colloquial Humor
I'd join you for dinner if I had two beans to rub together!
Visual representation of the word "Not have two beans, brain cells, etc. to rub together"

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