To be in very poor condition, poverty- stricken
Etymology:
- This expression is a simile which originated in 17th century. Originally this expression was “hungry as a church mouse” because the mouse that dwelled in church was considered really unlucky as he could have any food there. The church of that time had no kitchens. Since any mouse would like to live in a place where food access is easy such as in store, restaurants, cellar or grocery. Latter “hungry” was changed to “poor” in this expression.
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No one could imagine that Mr. Hend who was once millionaire would be one day as poor as a church mouse.
Submitted on February 25, 2019
Additional definitions for 'Poor as a Church Mouse':
| poor as a church mouse | Very poor to a point of starving or begging. |
Translation
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sărac ca un șoarece de biserică
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"Poor as a Church Mouse." Phrases.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 21 Nov. 2024. <https://www.phrases.com/phrase/poor-as-a-church-mouse_44944>.
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