From/on the wrong side of the tracks
phrase
Coming from a poor or low social status background.
John always felt out of place at the university, as he was from the wrong side of the tracks
Often appears as...
- come from the wrong side of the tracks
- born on the wrong side of the tracks
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
Engaging in immoral or illegal activities.
After his release from prison, he tried to avoid his old friends from the wrong side of the tracks
Often appears as...
- involved with the wrong side of the tracks
- slipped to the wrong side of the tracks
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
Coming from a poor or low social status background.
John always felt out of place at the university, as he was from the wrong side of the tracks
Often appears as...
- come from the wrong side of the tracks
- born on the wrong side of the tracks
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
phrase
Engaging in immoral or illegal activities.
After his release from prison, he tried to avoid his old friends from the wrong side of the tracks
Often appears as...
- involved with the wrong side of the tracks
- slipped to the wrong side of the tracks
Usage tips
Disapproving
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 2
Pro Tip 1/3Class Division
This phrase highlights socioeconomic disparities and is often used to describe societal divisions.
Despite her success, she often mentioned being from the wrong side of the tracks.
Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic Geography
The 'tracks' refer to train tracks, which physically divided towns into richer and poorer areas in the past.
He's proud of making it big despite coming from the wrong side of the tracks.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Used metaphorically, it's not about literal geography, but a commentary on class and origins.
She felt his family saw her as a girl from the wrong side of the tracks.
Pro Tip 1/3Class Division
This phrase highlights socioeconomic disparities and is often used to describe societal divisions.
Despite her success, she often mentioned being from the wrong side of the tracks.
Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic Geography
The 'tracks' refer to train tracks, which physically divided towns into richer and poorer areas in the past.
He's proud of making it big despite coming from the wrong side of the tracks.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Used metaphorically, it's not about literal geography, but a commentary on class and origins.
She felt his family saw her as a girl from the wrong side of the tracks.
Pro Tip 1/3Class Division
This phrase highlights socioeconomic disparities and is often used to describe societal divisions.
Despite her success, she often mentioned being from the wrong side of the tracks.
Pro Tip 2/3Idiomatic Geography
The 'tracks' refer to train tracks, which physically divided towns into richer and poorer areas in the past.
He's proud of making it big despite coming from the wrong side of the tracks.
Pro Tip 3/3Metaphorical Use
Used metaphorically, it's not about literal geography, but a commentary on class and origins.
She felt his family saw her as a girl from the wrong side of the tracks.
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