Carey Street - On

Definitions

• to be unsuccessful or poor
  Used to describe someone who is not doing well financially or career-wise, implying that they may end up on Carey Street, a street in London known for its impoverished residents.

• to be ignored or forgotten
  Often used in a sarcastic or self-deprecating manner to express feeling overlooked or insignificant, as if one has been relegated to the obscurity of Carey Street.

• to be unsuccessful or unlucky in love
  Implies that one's romantic life is not going well, potentially leading to a lonely and destitute existence on Carey Street.

Examples of Carey Street - On

Conclusion

The idiom "Carey Street" or "On Carey Street" is often used to convey a sense of failure, whether it be financial, career-wise, or in matters of love. It paints a picture of a bleak and undesirable state, referencing a real street in London known for its impoverished residents.

The phrase can also be used in a more figurative sense, to express feeling ignored or forgotten, as if one has been left to dwell in the anonymity of Carey Street. In this way, it can be used in a sarcastic or self-deprecating manner.

Origin of "Carey Street - On"

The origin of this idiom is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in the early 19th century in London. Carey Street was known to be a poverty-stricken area, with many rundown homes and residents struggling to make ends meet. It was also home to several debtors' prisons, adding to its reputation as a place to be avoided.

It is possible that the phrase "on Carey Street" became a way to refer to someone who was not doing well financially or had fallen on hard times. It may have been used as a cautionary tale to discourage others from making the same mistakes that could lead them to end up on Carey Street.

Over time, the phrase evolved to encompass other areas of failure, such as career or love. Today, it is still used to convey a sense of disappointment and misfortune, often with a touch of dark humor.