Search
Select the dictionary language
(as) poor as a church mouse
01
severely lacking money
![(as|) poor as a church [mouse] definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/47761/original/?type=jpeg "(as|) poor as a church [mouse] definition and meaning")
Idiom
What is the origin of the idiom "as poor as a church mouse" and when to use it?
The idiom "as poor as a church mouse" dates back to the 17th century. This phrase is used to describe someone who is extremely poor, having very little money or possessions.
Examples
When he first moved to the city, he was as poor as a church mouse.
