On queer street

Definitions

in financial trouble
Describing someone who is experiencing financial difficulties or is in a tight spot financially
feeling unwell
Referring to someone who is feeling ill or unwell

Examples of On queer street

The detective thought the suspect was acting strangely, so he said, "Something is off with this guy. He's on queer street."

"On queer street" is an American English idiom that means "acting unusually or erratically." In this example, the detective is expressing his suspicion that the behavior of the suspect is abnormal or peculiar.
The party was wild and unpredictable, with people dancing on tables and singing off-key. Sarah's friend turned to her and exclaimed, "Wow, this is definitely on queer street!"

In this example, the friend is commenting on the unconventional and unusual atmosphere of the party.
After hearing the strange noises coming from his neighbor's apartment, John wondered if they were planning a wild party. He imagined his neighbor saying, "Let's go on queer street tonight!"

In this example, John is using "on queer street" in a hypothetical situation, imagining that his neighbor might be planning a weird or unusual event.
The speaker had an unexpected change in his plans, saying, "I'm afraid I have to bail. I've been on queer street all morning."

In this example, "on queer street" is used figuratively to describe a disorienting or confusing state of mind. The speaker is implying that he has been feeling disoriented or confused all morning, causing him to abandon his plans.
John's sudden decision to quit his job and travel the world left his friends and family feeling like they were on queer street.

In this example, "on queer street" is being used to describe a confusing or uncertain situation. John's unexpected action has left his loved ones feeling disoriented and unsure of what to do or think next.
When the power went out during the storm, we all found ourselves on queer street, fumbling around in the dark for our flashlights.

Here, "on queer street" is being used to describe a situation where everything is unfamiliar or unexpected. The sudden blackout has thrown us into a new and uncertain environment, where we must adapt to new circumstances quickly.
After the school play, I felt like I was on queer street, trying to navigate my way through a sea of congratulations and well-wishes.

Here, "on queer street" is being used to describe a situation where we are unsure of how to react or respond to new situations. The overwhelming praise for my performance has left me feeling unsteady and uncertain of how to handle the situation.
The sudden announcement that the whole office was being relocated to a different building left us all feeling like we were on queer street, trying to figure out where everything was and how to get our work done in a new environment.

Here, "on queer street" is being used to describe a situation where we are unsure of how to proceed or adapt to new circumstances. The unexpected move has thrown us into a completely new environment, where we must adapt to new routines and workflows quickly.

Conclusion

The idiom "on queer street" can be used to describe both financial trouble and feeling unwell. It is often used in informal conversations or in literature to convey these meanings.

Origin of "On queer street"

The exact origin of the idiom "on queer street" is unclear, but it is believed to have originated in British English in the late 19th or early 20th century. The word "queer" in this context does not refer to sexual orientation, but rather to something that is strange or unusual. The idiom may have originated from the idea of being in an unfamiliar or uncomfortable situation, whether that be financially or in terms of health. Over time, it has become a common expression to convey the idea of being in a difficult or uncomfortable position.

Examples of the idiom can be found in various literary works and everyday conversations, illustrating its widespread usage in English-speaking countries.