word on the street
The information, or the version of that information, that is currently spreading from person to person, often in a particular setting, like school or work. A: "The word on the street is that you're pregnant." B: "What? That is simply not true!" There are so many people stopping by Shelly's office because word on the street is that she's leaving the company.
the word on the street
a rumour or piece of information currently being circulated. informal 1992 Victor Headley Yardie The word on the street was that Roy was hooked and had smoked a fair amount of the crack himself.