Broke when emerging from lift at ground floor! (4,3,3)

I believe the answer is:

down and out

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'broke' is the definition.
(I've seen this in another clue)

I can't explain the remainder of the clue.

(Other definitions for down and out that I've seen before include "Unfortunate" , "canvassed a final time?" , "Vagrant" , "As a defeated boxer" , "staying put on the canvas?" .)

I've seen this clue in the Sydney Morning Herald.

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