having exhausted every available means; having broken one's sword and exhausted one's arrows
A literary set phrase used when all resources or options are gone and one is at a complete dead end. The literal image is of a warrior whose sword is broken and arrows are spent.
With funds and connections exhausted, we are truly at the point where every means has been spent.
With his sword broken and arrows spent, he finally decided to surrender.
A classical Japanese set phrase derived from the imagery of a warrior who has broken his sword and used up all his arrows, symbolizing complete exhaustion of resources.