on the street

on the street(s)

1. Without an established place of residence or accommodation; homeless. Even though I was still employed, I couldn't afford my mortgage anymore and was on the streets for nearly a year. More and more people are ending up on the street as rent prices skyrocket in the city.2. In a state of being widely and publicly known or discussed. Of course, word on the street is that he's been taking bribes like that for years. He's been putting it on the streets that he's looking for a bassist to join his band.3. Working as a prostitute. In this part of town, there are women on the streets every night. She was actually on the streets for a number of years before she saved enough money to go to college in another state.4. Living freely, typically after having been freed from prison or police custody. The notorious gangster was cleared of the charges and back on the streets that very day. We're doing our utmost to have this conviction overturned and get our brother back on the street as soon as possible.See also: on

on the street

1. Fig. widely known. Sue put it on the street, and now everyone knows. It's on the street. There isn't anyone who hasn't heard it. 2. Fig. on Wall Street or elsewhere in the New York City financial districts. (Similar to {3}, except that it refers to a specific street. Usually with a capital 5.) I heard on the Street today that bank stocks are headed up. It's on the Street that the market is due to crash again. 3. Fig. at discount prices; as available at its lowest retail price. (As if some item were being sold on the street by a peddler.) It lists at $2200 and can be got for about $1650 on the street. On the street it goes for about $400.See also: on, street

on the street

Also, in the street. 1. Without a job, unemployed, as in After they fired her she was on the street for two years. [First half of 1900s] 2. Without a regular place of residence, homeless, as in It's terrible to be on the street in winter. [Mid-1800s] 3. Released from prison, as in One more year and he'll be back in the street. [First half of 1900s] See also: on, street

on the street

1. mod. using drugs; selling drugs; looking for drugs. (Drugs.) Fred spent a year on the street before he was arrested. 2. mod. engaged in prostitution. Mary said, “What am I supposed to do—go on the street?” All three of them went on the street to earn enough money to live. 3. mod. widely known. It’s on the street. There isn’t anyone who hasn’t heard it. 4. mod. on Wall Street or elsewhere in the New York City financial districts. (Similar to sense 3, except that it refers to a specific street. Usually with a capital S.) I heard on the Street today that Apple is buying IBM. 5. mod. at discount prices; as available from discounters. (As if some item were being sold on the street by a peddler.) It lists at $2,200 and can be got for about $1,650 on the street. See also: on, street