Meaning

A tough or odd spot, down on luck.

Origin

From 19th-century Britain, tied to 'queer'; odd or bad; slang by 1830s for ruin. An 1837 Dickens 'Pickwick' hints at it for a broke lane.

Variants

  • On queer street

Usage Examples

  • He's on queer street since the job loss.
  • She landed in queer street after that bet.
  • Queer street; no cash, all quirks.

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