Idiom: broke as a joke

[Kati Svaby]

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #311 "English Slang Idioms (32)", question 3

He told them that he couldn't afford to go to the concert. He had just paid for car repairs and he was now broke as a ..........

(a) bun
(b) tool
(c) bear
(d) joke

English Language Tests, Intermediate level

ESL/EFL Test #311 "English Slang Idioms (32)", answer 3

He told them that he couldn't afford to go to the concert. He had just paid for car repairs and he was now broke as a joke.

Correct answer: (d) joke
_________________________

http://www.usingenglish.com/reference/idioms/broke+as+a+joke+and+it+ain't+funny.html
_________________
We always deceive ourselves twice about the people we love - first to their advantage, then to their disadvantage.

[Kati Svaby]

Who wrote this explanation says: In my opinion this idiom describes...

Even what explanations can exist?

Thanks:
kati Svaby
_________________
We always deceive ourselves twice about the people we love - first to their advantage, then to their disadvantage.

[Beeesneees]

Hello Kati,

I have never heard this idiom, but to me it simply means 'I'm completely broke'.
Obviously the writer of that answer wasn't absolutely sure of the meaning, so he clarified that it was his opinion only.

Perhaps you would prefer this definition?
http://www.kgbanswers.com/where-did-the-saying-broke-as-a-joke-come-from/4408544
_________________
Cheers m' dears!

[Esl_Expert]

I have never heard anyone use this expression as an idiom, either.

'Broke as a Joke' is apparently the name of a sort of TV series (web-based) from ca. 2009. However, I had never heard of that before, either. I found just now it in a Google search. lol

_______________________________________________________
"I told the doctor I broke my leg in two places. He told me to quit going to those places." ~ Henny Youngman