The idiom "as poor as a church mouse" means to be extremely poor or having no money at all. It is used to describe someone who is struggling financially and has very little to live on.
The phrase comes from the fact that church mice are often thought to be the poorest of all mice because they live in churches where there is very little food or money.
You can use this idiom to describe someone's financial situation, for example, "After losing his job, John was as poor as a church mouse and struggled to make ends meet." It can also be used to describe a situation where there is a lack of resources or money, for example, "The charity was as poor as a church mouse and struggled to provide for those in need."
Overall, the idiom "as poor as a church mouse" is a colorful way to describe someone's financial struggles and is commonly used in everyday English.
• Despite working hard, John's salary is low. He is as poor as a church mouse.
• I inherited a small amount of money from my grandfather, but it didn't last long. Now, I am as poor as a church mouse.
• The extravagant lifestyle of celebrities is beyond my reach. I am as poor as a church mouse compared to them.
• I can't afford to buy new clothes. I am as poor as a church mouse.
• After the economic crisis, many people became as poor as church mice.
• My friend always lives frugally. He is as poor as a church mouse.