Broke as a joke

Meaning

Having absolutely no money, usually to the point where it is almost funny how bad the situation is. It is a lighthearted way to admit you are penniless.

Self-deprecating, casual

Used in a sentence

• I would love to go to dinner, but I am broke as a joke until payday.
• When I was in college, I was broke as a joke for four years.
• He claims to be a millionaire, but his bank account says he is broke as a joke.