Not have two nickels to rub together: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Not have two nickels to rub together” mean?

"Not have two nickels to rub together" means to have very little money.

What context can I use the in?

Example

After losing his job, he didn't have two nickels to rub together.

Example

She's always broke and doesn't have two nickels to rub together.

Example

They were so poor that they didn't have two nickels to rub together

Is “Not have two nickels to rub together” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Not have two nickels to rub together” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Not have two nickels to rub together” effectively in context?

You can use "Not have two nickels to rub together" to describe someone who has very little money. It emphasizes their financial hardship and lack of resources. For example, if a friend is struggling financially, you might say, 'After losing his job, he didn't have two nickels to rub together.'

• 1. Financial Struggles

  She's always broke and doesn't have two nickels to rub together.

• 2. Poverty

  They were so poor that they didn't have two nickels to rub together.

• 3. Job Loss

  After losing his job, he didn't have two nickels to rub together.

Similar phrases to “Not have two nickels to rub together”:

Flat broke

To have no money at all

Example

After paying all the bills, I'm flat broke.

Living paycheck to paycheck

To have just enough money to cover basic expenses until the next paycheck

Example

With rising rent prices, many people are living paycheck to paycheck.

Scraping by

To barely have enough money to survive

Example

With the high cost of living, they're just scraping by.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Not have two nickels to rub together” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Not have two nickels to rub together" is unknown.

Is “Not have two nickels to rub together” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Not have two nickels to rub together" is a common expression in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe their own or someone else's financial difficulties.

What tone does “Not have two nickels to rub together” have?

"Not have two nickels to rub together" conveys a tone of financial hardship and scarcity. It's often used to emphasize the lack of money and resources.

Can “Not have two nickels to rub together” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Not have two nickels to rub together" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes a lack of financial means. You can use it in everyday conversations with friends, family, and colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as business meetings or professional writing.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'She's always broke and doesn't have two nickels to rub together.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I don't have two nickels to rub together!' to express financial hardship.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• be penniless
• have no money
• be strapped for cash
• be destitute
• be impoverished

Antonyms

• be wealthy
• have plenty of money
• be well-off
• be affluent
• be prosperous