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on the street

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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