out at the elbows
1. Wearing shabby, worn out clothing (indicative of being poor). I think it's time to buy you some new clothes—you're out at the elbows!
2. Poor; not having much or enough money. I was out at the elbows for several years after college, just making enough money to pay for my rent and a couple of meals a day.
out at elbows
wearing shabby or ragged clothing. dated