Fig.: referred to someone stingy, who has money but never put his hands in his pockets to pay for anything

Andrew is known to have short arms and deep pockets, so don't expect him to offer you anything whatsoever

Si sa che Andrea ha il braccino corto, quindi non aspettarti che ti offra mai qualcosa

So, this tiny, little silver ring is Charle's gift to you for your 25th wedding anniversary? WOW, Mr. stingy in person!

E così, questo anellino d'argento è il regalo di Carlo per il vostro venticinquesimo anniversario! Mi sembra che il vecchio Carlo abbia il braccino corto!

Metaphorically speaking: these people cannot reach the money in their pockets because their arms are too short to reach to the bottom of their pockets, where money should be