in 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 in the streets for nearly a year. More and more people are ending up in the street as rent prices skyrocket in the city. She's a tough kid—she lived in the streets on her own after her mom died.
2. In a state of being widely and publicly known or discussed. Of course, word in the street is that he's been taking bribes like that for years. He's been putting it in the streets that he's looking for a bassist to join his band. Hey, don't put my personal business out in the streets like that!
3. Working as a prostitute. In this part of town, there are women in the streets every night. She was actually in the streets for a number of years before she saved enough money to go to college in another state. I hated my time in the streets. I hated trading my body for money. I'm just glad that time in my life is over.
4. Living freely, typically after having been freed from prison or police custody. The notorious gangster was cleared of the charges and back in the streets that very day. We're doing our utmost to have this conviction overturned and get our brother back in the street as soon as possible. After five years in prison, I'm finally back in the streets—hallelujah!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.