busted valise

noun — 2 senses

busted valise

noun

1

US, Slang A person who has run out of money

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.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:
"Two bucks! He asks me for two bucks! Sonny, I'm a busted valise."1964 October 24, Gilbert Rogin, “At the Sea-Vue Arms”, in New Yorker, New York, page 63:

2

US, Slang A person who has lost power or abilities; a has-been

They appear to be a vast improvement over the busted valises who were hired for so many jobs by Abe Beame.1978 January 4, Pete Hamill, “Dear Ed: Take the Bronx and Staten Island, Too”, in Daily News, New York, page 4:

Related terms: broken-down valise

Entry derived from the Wiktionary, under licence CC BY-SA 4.0 — list of authors.