essere al verde
to be broke, to be out of money
Intermediate Phrase
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Pronunciation
/ˈɛs.se.re al ˈver.de/
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Cultural Note
Literally 'to be at the green.' The origin is debated — possibly from the green base of candles (when you're down to the green, you've burned through everything) or from the green cloth of gambling tables. Universally understood across Italy and used by all ages. Very common student and young-adult expression.
📝 Example Sentences
Non posso uscire stasera, sono al verde.
I can't go out tonight, I'm broke.
A fine mese sono sempre al verde.
At the end of the month I'm always broke.
Dopo le vacanze siamo tutti al verde.
After vacation we're all broke.