To be pinched for every cowrie, to be in great distress, to be reduced to a beggary.

be good-for-nothing, be of no use or worthless

mean or worthless person

worth two cowries, worthless

be reduced to abject poverty

be reduced to abject poverty

beg for food, to become needy of petty things

worthless, having no real value or use

worthless stuff

be penniless, have no money

save up every penny, save every bit

pay every penny, pay in full

pay every penny, pay in full

be hard up, have no money

receive in full, be paid every single penny

be disgraced

every penny

cowrie, small shell (formerly used as a coin)

free of charge, valueless

be penniless, be poor, have no money