relying on one's own resources; being entirely on one's own
Fixed expression meaning to make one's way in the world with nothing but one's own body and abilities; emphasizes self-reliance without external help or assets.
I came to the city determined to make it on my own, relying on nothing but my own two hands.
裸一貫 also means starting with nothing, but emphasizes having no possessions or capital, while 腕一本脛一本 focuses on using one's own physical abilities and effort.
Literally 'one arm, one shin'; a set phrase evoking the image of a person with only their own limbs to rely on. The exact origin is uncertain, but it is a traditional Japanese expression for self-reliance.