student asking question

How can "without nickel to my name" refer to "no money"?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

A 'nickel' is a five-cent coin used as a currency in the United States. Since 'nickel' is a form of currency and 'my name' is referring to himself, 'Without a nickel to my name' means 'I don't have any money to myself. Ex: I can't buy the guitar. I don't have a nickel to my name.

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