streetwise

Having intelligence, wisdom, and shrewdness in the ways of the real world, especially life in a city (i.e. "the streets"). You've got to be streetwise to make it in this city, otherwise it'll chew you up and spit you out. I was pretty pampered growing up, but living on my own in New York City for four years made me streetwise.

See also:

Windy City
put on a good, poor, wonderful, etc. show
put on a good/poor/etc. show
The City that Never Sleeps
City of Angels
city slicker
slicker
Headstone City
fresh take (on something)
pied-à-terre

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