Crossword Genius

Penniless when apartment malfunctioned (4,5)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

flat broke

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

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

'apartment malfunctioned' is the wordplay.
'apartment' becomes 'flat' (synonyms).
'malfunctioned' becomes 'broke' (I can't explain this - if you can you should give a lot more credence to this answer).
'flat'+'broke'='FLAT BROKE'

'when' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Another definition for flat broke that I've seen is " cleaned out".)

I've seen this clue in The Mirror.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app