estar sin blanca
be penniless
The Spanish phrase 'estar sin blanca' translates to 'to be flat broke' or 'to have no money' in English. It's used commonly in Spanish-speaking countries to express the lack of financial means. Like many idiomatic expressions, it can't be interpreted literally, as its literal translation would be 'to be without a white'. Always remember to use this phrase in an informal context only, as it isn't considered appropriate for more formal or professional situations.
Example sentences using: estar sin blanca
No puedo ir al cine, estoy sin blanca.
I can't go to the cinema, I'm broke.
The speaker cannot afford to go to the cinema as they are currently without money, indicating the colloquial use of 'estar sin blanca' to describe financial lack or poverty.
Después de pagar todas las facturas, quedé estar sin blanca.
After paying all the bills, I ended up broke.
In this example, the speaker uses 'estar sin blanca' to express that they have no money left after a significant expenditure, in this case paying bills, reflecting a momentary state of being broke.
Si seguimos gastando de esta manera, pronto estaremos sin blanca.
If we keep spending like this, we'll soon be broke.
The phrase 'estar sin blanca' is used here in a predictive sense, to express that if current spending behaviours continue, there will be no money left – signifying impending financial difficulties.