essere al verde

/esˈseːre al ˈverde/◆idiom
to be broke

Non posso uscire stasera, sono al verde!

I can't go out tonight, I'm broke!

◆ What It Really Means
to be broke or financially exhausted
Literal Meaning
to be at the green [side of a banknote]
Literal Breakdown
essereto be+al verdeat the green
◇ Mental Image
The mental image is of a banknote’s green reverse side, symbolizing the 'end' of one's money.
◈ When to Use
You’re at a café with friends, and you realize you’ve spent your last euros on coffee. You say, 'Scusate, sono al verde, non ho più soldi!'
◉ Cultural Note
The phrase reflects Italy’s historical use of lire banknotes, where the reverse side was green. While the lira is no longer in circulation, the idiom persists in modern Italian.
Finance
informal

to have no money left; to be financially exhausted

Dopo le vacanze sono rimasto al verde, quindi non posso permettermi altro.

After the holidays I was broke, so I can't afford anything else.

Often used to describe a temporary state of having no money, not necessarily chronic poverty.

Related Phrases

rimanere senza un europhrase
to be left without a single euro
non avere un soldo bucatoidiom
to be completely penniless

Pro Tip

Usage Context

Use 'essere al verde' for temporary financial situations (e.g., after a big expense) rather than chronic poverty. It’s more common in informal contexts.

Gold Rule

Avoid Literal Translation

Do not translate 'essere al verde' word-for-word ('to be at the green'). Always use 'to be broke' in English.

Word Origin

The phrase originates from the green color of the back of Italian banknotes (historically, the reverse side of lire notes was green). 'Essere al verde' literally means 'to be at the green [side of the note].'

Usage Notes

Common in everyday speech, especially among younger speakers. It can refer to a general lack of funds or specifically to being out of a particular resource (e.g., 'essere al verde di benzina' = to be out of gas).

Word Breakdown

essere
to be
verb
+
al verde
at the green [side of the note]
phrase
Dizionario Italiano-Inglese
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