Crossword Genius

Middleman not finished when penniless (5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

broke

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'penniless' is the definition.
(I've seen this before)

I don't understand the rest of the clue.

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(Other definitions for broke that I've seen before include "Smashed; penniless" , "See 19" , "Ordinal number" , "Shattered" , "Lacking funds" .)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
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