Region: General | Usage example: After the layoff we were as poor as a church mouse until the next paycheck.

As poor as a church mouse

Meaning

Describes someone with almost no money.

Used to emphasize a complete lack of funds.

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Church mice had nothing to eat in old parishes, making them symbols of poverty.

Appeared in English proverbs during the 18th century and remains common.