busted valise

English

Noun

busted valise (plural busted valises)

  1. (US, slang) A person who has run out of money
    • 1962 July 26, Edward Kirkman, Henry Lee, “DA Fears Gang's X Will Mark The Spot For Mr. X's Rubout”, in Daily News, New York, page 4:
      The sources described the natty Pomeranz as a fast talker but "a phony" and "a real busted valise" whose checks had a strong elastic snap to them.
    • 1964 October 24, Gilbert Rogin, “At the Sea-Vue Arms”, in New Yorker‎, New York, page 63:
      "Two bucks! He asks me for two bucks! Sonny, I'm a busted valise."
  2. (US, slang) A person who has lost power or abilities; a has-been
    • 1978 January 4, Pete Hamill, “Dear Ed: Take the Bronx and Staten Island, Too”, in Daily News, New York, page 4:
      They appear to be a vast improvement over the busted valises who were hired for so many jobs by Abe Beame.
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