Skid row

Meaning

"Skid row" is an idiom that refers to a place or situation where someone is down on their luck or experiencing hard times. It can also refer to a neighborhood or area known for its poverty, crime, and run-down buildings. The phrase has a negative connotation and suggests that the person or place is in a state of decline or deterioration.

Usage

• She lost her job and had to move to skid row to make ends meet.
• The city's infrastructure is starting to show signs of wear and tear, and some neighborhoods are being referred to as "skid rows."
• We don't want our children growing up in a skid row where they have to learn how to fend for themselves from an early age.
• The movie "Gone with the Wind" portrays the opulence of the south's elite, but also shows the struggles faced by those who lived in the "skid rows" of the era.
• He made a fortune in the stock market and never had to worry about living on skid row again.

Roots and History

The origin of the phrase "skid row" is unclear, but it may have originated in the early 20th century in North America. The term was used to describe a row of buildings or structures that were built on skids or supports, allowing them to be moved easily. These structures were often used as temporary housing for people who had lost their homes or were homeless. Over time, the phrase came to be associated with poverty and hardship, and was used to describe any place or situation where someone was struggling to survive.

Synonyms in English

• Roughly speaking, "skid row" means "in a bad state."
• "Down on one's luck" is similar in meaning to "skid row."
• "In the gutter" is another idiom that conveys the same idea of being in a low-income or degrading area.

Synonyms in other languages

• In French, "en bas" means "in a bad state" or "struggling."
• In German, "am Rand" translates to "on the fringe," which can refer to being on the outskirts of society or living in poverty.
• In Spanish, "en mal estado" means "in a bad state" or "struggling."

Similar Idioms

• sick as a dog

• shoot the breeze

• sixth sense