flat broke; stone broke
Slang expression for having absolutely no money; often used in casual conversation.
I'm already flat broke before payday.
財布の中身がからけつで、何も買えない。
My wallet is completely empty, so I can't buy anything.
Compound of 空 (kara, 'empty') and 穴 (ketsu, slang for 'money' or 'funds', from the idea of a hole or zero). The exact origin of 穴 as slang for money is uncertain, but it may derive from the image of an empty hole or zero balance.