keep off the streets
To inspire or cause (someone) to avoid idleness, unemployment, poverty, or antisocial behavior.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“Sports programs help keep kids off the streets.”
“The community center offers free classes to keep local teenagers off the streets after school.”
“By providing consistent employment and a sense of purpose, the new initiative aims to keep vulnerable youth off the streets and away from criminal influence.”
- 01
cobbler, keep to your last
One should not criticise matters outside one's field of expertise; one should mind one's business.
- 02
down the road, not across the street
Of the technique for committing suicide, along the radial artery rather than across the wrist from side to side.
- 03
earn one's keep
To perform satisfactory physical labor or to provide other worthy services in return for remuneration, lodging, or other benefits; to support oneself financially.
- 04
easy street
Chiefly preceded by on: a carefree lifestyle, especially as a result of becoming wealthy, or an easy situation.
- 05
gift that keeps on giving
Something with continuous (typically positive) consequences.
- 06
hit the streets
To go out in search of something or for a specific purpose.
- 07
jump street
The starting point; the very beginning.
- 08
keep a civil tongue in one's head
To maintain a polite manner of speaking.
Last updated August 10, 2026