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

mean or worthless person

worth two cowries, worthless

be reduced to abject poverty

worthless, having no real value or use

worthless stuff

save up every penny, save every bit

pay every penny, pay in full

be disgraced

pay every penny, pay in full

receive in full, be paid every single penny

every penny

free of charge, valueless

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

cowrie, small shell (formerly used as a coin)

present a far-fetched idea or argument

be very greedy, run a mile for a penny

hit upon a novel idea