The cupboard is bare British clause
Its literal meaning is no or very little food available.
I'm too hungry because the cupboard is bare in the house.
Its figurative meaning is no or litlle money.
Because the cupboard is bare, the employees have been told not to assume a salary increase.
To have no money
1.Someone viewed with contempt
2. Very bad
save as much money as possible
Used to say that someone attempts to get money from you.
This expression 'The cupboard is bare' came from "Old Mother Hubbard" which is a nursery rhyme in the English language. The first given an extended printing in 1805, although it disputes the exact origin of the rhyme.
To be very wet
Because of forgetting bringing an umbrella, I look like a drowned rat when it rains.