busted valise

English

busted valise (plural busted valises)

(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^[1], New York, page 63:
  "Two bucks! He asks me for two bucks! Sonny, I'm a busted valise."
(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.