easy street: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘easy street’ mean?
The idiom "easy street" refers to a situation or period of time in which someone has achieved financial or social success with little effort or hardship.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "in the money" means to be in a financially successful or prosperous situation.
The idiom "in the fast lane" means to be living or working at a fast pace, often associated with a busy or exciting lifestyle full of activity and success.
In the fast lane is an idiomatic phrase that originates from the world of driving. Its meaning has been extended to describe the pace and intensity of life or specific activities. The idiom suggests a sense of speed, urgency, and high activity.
The idiom "in a walk" means achieving something easily or without much effort or competition.
In a walk is an idiomatic expression commonly used in American English. It describes a situation where someone or something easily achieves victory or success, often with little effort or opposition.
"Hit the big time" is an idiom that means achieving great success or fame, often referring to someone who becomes very successful in their career or achieves a high level of recognition. It implies reaching a significant, noteworthy position or achieving a major breakthrough in one's life or profession.
The idiom "hit it big" means to achieve great success or win a large amount of money, often unexpectedly or after a long period of hard work.
The idiom "hit it big" refers to achieving sudden and significant success or fame. It is commonly used in American English and has evolved to be used in various contexts and industries.
The idiom "high cotton" refers to a situation of great success, prosperity or abundance. It is often used to describe someone who is doing very well in terms of wealth, status or achievements.
The idiom "high cotton" is primarily used in the United States and is rooted in rural and agricultural traditions. It is commonly used to describe a state of wealth, prosperity, or success.
The idiom "gravy train" refers to an enjoyable situation where one can easily obtain money or success without much effort or work.
The idiom "good life" refers to a state of living that is comfortable, enjoyable, and fulfilling. It implies a life filled with happiness, success, and contentment.
The idiom "get-rich-quick" means attempting to become wealthy rapidly and effortlessly, often through schemes or shortcuts.
The idiom "get-rich-quick" is often used to describe schemes or plans that promise rapid wealth or success with little effort. It is typically used in a cautionary context, warning against the unrealistic expectations and potential dangers they entail.
The idiom "get into one's stride" means to become comfortable and confident in doing something, usually after a slow start or period of adjustment.
The idiom "get into one's stride" is a commonly used expression in English, particularly in the United States. It conveys the idea of finding one's rhythm or pace in a particular activity or situation.
Easy Journey
The idiom "easy street" refers to a state of financial security or an easy, comfortable life, often free of hardships or challenges. This idiom is commonly used in the United States and can be traced back to the late 1800s.
One fact about the idiom "easy street" is that it originated from a song titled "Easy Street," written by Ragtime composer John W. Bratton and lyricist Gus Edwards in 1917. The song presented a fictional place of luxury and contentment as "easy street," where all troubles disappear and success is easily attained. Through its widespread popularity, the song contributed to the spread of the idiom.
The idiom "easy street" gained recognition during the Great Depression of the 1930s. Despite the financial hardships during this time, the idea of an "easy street" or a life free from financial worries became a symbol of hope. It served as an escape from the harsh realities of the era and reinforced the association between the idiom and a desirable existence.
In contemporary usage, "easy street" typically refers to a state of financial security achieved through wealth or success. It implies a life without significant challenges or hardships, where one can enjoy luxuries and comforts. This idiom is frequently employed to express a state of ease or satisfaction.
It is worth noting that the idiom "easy street" can sometimes carry negative connotations, suggesting a lack of ambition, hard work, or resilience. However, such interpretations are not inherent in the idiom itself but rather arise from societal attitudes towards success and perseverance.
Overall, the idiom "easy street" captures the human desire for a comfortable, effortless life void of financial worries or hardships. Its usage has evolved over the years, rooted in popular culture and serving as a symbol of prosperity and contentment.
The idiom "easy come, easy go" is closely related to the concept of "easy street." It suggests that if something is obtained or achieved easily, it can also be lost or taken away just as easily. This phrase emphasizes the fleeting nature of success or good fortune, reminding us that we should not take things for granted.
Similarly, the idiom "easy pickings" aligns with the idea of "easy street" in that it implies a situation where something is effortless to obtain or acquire. It refers to a situation where there is little or no competition or difficulty in achieving a desired outcome or gaining an advantage.
The concept of the "gravy train" also relates to "easy street" as it denotes a situation where one can enjoy easy or excessive financial benefits without having to exert much effort. It suggests a life of comfort and abundance, where resources or opportunities flow effortlessly.
Lastly, the idiom "easy does it" can be viewed as an approach or mindset that aligns with the idea of "easy street." It encourages taking things slowly and with caution, avoiding unnecessary risks or exertion. This phrase emphasizes the importance of maintaining a balanced and relaxed approach in order to achieve a desired outcome.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom *easy street* can be used in a sentence:
- After winning the lottery, Jane suddenly found herself living on easy street.
- Once he got promoted, John thought he would be on easy street, but the added responsibilities made his work much harder.
- During the summer break, the kids enjoyed spending their days playing video games and lounging by the pool, feeling like they were on easy street.
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