The longer both sides drag their feet, the more likely a revolt in the bond market and a skint Treasury squeezing American businesses for cash.

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But she has become accustomed to "being skint" and admits that weekend visits to her supportive parents, Nigel and Jane, to "stock up on food" have helped.

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Mr Darling and Mr Brown had previously said that it was too late to amend this year's tax arrangements, and that the Treasury was too skint for splurges.

ECONOMIST: Bagehot

Times has been tough means me now well skint.

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