ENGLISH
REFERENCE

word on the street

idiom
Meaning

The rumour or news going around.


Examples
SIMPLE

The word on the street is that the shop is closing.

CONTEXTUAL

I heard the word on the street that our manager might be leaving for a new company soon.

COMPLEX

Despite the official silence from the company, the word on the street suggests that a major restructuring will be announced by the end of the week.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    bad word

    A vulgar word.

  2. 02

    breathe a word

    To divulge even part of a secret (usually used with a negative).

  3. 03

    dicky

    [Cockney slang]word

  4. 04

    dirty word

    The name of a topic that a person prefers not to hear or discuss.

  5. 05

    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.

  6. 06

    easy street

    Chiefly preceded by on: a carefree lifestyle, especially as a result of becoming wealthy, or an easy situation.

  7. 07

    empty words

    Any type of talk with little meaning; a message that seems to contain meaningful content but is actually vapid.

  8. 08

    from the word go

    From the very beginning; from the outset; immediately upon starting.

Last updated April 17, 2026