go broke

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

broke /broʊk/   v. 

1. pt. of break.

adj. [be + ~]

2. without money:
   I was broke that week, so I borrowed some money to pay the rent.

Idioms

3. Idioms go broke, [no object] to go bankrupt;
   be without funds to conduct business:
   In that business people are forever going broke.
4. Idioms go for broke, [no object] Slang. to use one's abilities or one's means to the fullest in taking a dangerous risk:
   He decided to go for broke and put all his money into the new business.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

broke  (brōk), v. 

1. a pt. of break. 
2. Slang Terms [Nonstandard.] a pp. of break. 
3. [Archaic.] a pp. of break. 

adj. 

4. without money;
   penniless.
5. bankrupt.
6. Idioms go broke:
   • to become destitute of money or possessions.
   • to go bankrupt:
     In that business people are forever going broke.
7. Idioms go for broke, to exert oneself or employ one's resources to the utmost.

n. 

8. Printing [Papermaking.] paper unfit for sale;
   paper that is to be repulped.
9. Textiles brokes, wool of poor quality taken from the neck and belly of sheep.

• 1875–80 (noun, nominal) 1655–65 (adjective, adjectival)

Synonyms

• 4, 5. . insolvent, destitute, impoverished.