on the street

Idioms  

1. Also, in the street.

2. Without a job, unemployed, as in After they fired her she was on the street for two years . [First half of 1900s]

3. Without a regular place of residence, homeless, as in It's terrible to be on the street in winter . [Mid-1800s]

4. Released from prison, as in One more year and he'll be back in the street . [First half of 1900s]

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Example Sentences

Back downtown on the edge of the Civic Center, Little Tokyo resident Steve Nagano says there have been fewer homeless people on the street in recent times.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 11, 2026

There was a lengthy debate on the street sign issue at the council monthly meeting at City Hall.

From BBC • Apr. 1, 2026

Prices are being driven up by the sheer number of campaigns still on the street, including warring measures between Uber and a trade group for trial attorneys, experts say.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 25, 2026

The Israeli police said that "despite the high-alert status, police allowed prayers to be conducted on the street outside the Old City of Jerusalem without intervention".

From Barron's • Mar. 20, 2026

An hour later we were back on the street, homeless again.

From "Everything Sad Is Untrue" by Daniel Nayeri