queer

in Queer Street in difficulty, especially by being in debt. British informal, dated.

☞ Queer Street was an imaginary street where people in difficulties were supposed to live. The phrase has been used since the early 19th century to indicate various kinds of misfortune, but its predominant use has been to refer to financial difficulty.

1952Angus WilsonHemlock and After He enjoys a little flutter…and if he finds himself in Queer Street now and again, I'm sure no one would grudge him his bit of fun.

a queer fish a person whose behaviour seems strange or unusual. British informal, dated

queer someone's pitch spoil someone's chances of doing something, especially secretly or maliciously. British

☞ This phrase originated as 19th-century slang; early examples of its use suggest that the pitch referred to is the spot where a street performer stationed themselves or the site of a market trader's stall.

1973Elizabeth LemarchandLet or Hindrance He's a decent lad…he would never have risked queering Wendy's pitch with Eddy.