Queer Street

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Queer Street (uncountable)

1. (idiomatic, Britain, dated) Hard times; a difficult circumstance, especially financially.
   • 1818, Thomas Hudson, Comic Songs, page 23:

     But soon they led a Queer-street life, / 'Twas what she'd not expected / Like cat and dog, with snarl and strife, / And love and lamps neglected. / About his work he would not wag

   • 2009 March 17, “The dangers of commerce in medical care”, in Yorkshire Post:

     The only reason Ms Beverley-Stevenson and her two companies are in business is to make a profit, otherwise she and her partners would be on Queer Street.

2. (idiomatic, boxing) A stunned condition.
   • 1957 August 10, “Cronin's Corner”, in Los Angeles Times:

     In any event, the German slugger nailed down 21 of his 39 victories by putting his opponent on Queer Street via the knockout route.

   • 1971 March 9, “In the Wake of the News”, in Chicago Tribune:

     Frazier had him on Queer Street in the 11th round. ... He was glad he got off Queer Street.