There is a proverb in our language which is used when someone tries to show off and pretend to be very rich and also try to spend much money, and somehow prepare well-brand clothes to keep up with the wealthy elite of the society, but if you know them, you are aware that they are almost flat broke! Actually, such people boast when they have no penny to bless themselves with!
We say: "great boast, but empty pockets to buy something.
For isntance, please imagine a woman who has a lot of debts which should be paid back ASAP, but they try to buy some expensive jewellery.
Is there any current English saying to explain this situation?
Best Answer
Be aware that most people would be offended if you used any of these descriptions to them or about them. Non-native speakers are also advised to avoid the ones marked as vulgar unless you are absolutely certain of your audience.
We have in the UK:
He is all show and no substance -- pretty much exactly the meaning you're after
He is all mouth and trousers -- all talk and showy clothes wiktionary
There's a US cowboy metaphor (not necessarily universally known):
Quite a few more are in the second wiktionary ref.
Collected from comments:
An antiquated but occasionally seen expression is