end up in the poorhouse
(redirected from end up in the poor-house)end up in the poorhouse
1. dated Literally, to begin living in a publicly-maintained institution for those who are poor. People don't actually end up in the poorhouse anymore—this isn't Dickensian England.
2. By extension, to have no money. Usually used hyperbolically. With a mortgage payment that high, you guys will end up in the poorhouse!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2015 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.