civvy street
Civilian life outside the forces.
Definitions
The civilian world — life after you've handed in your kit and walked out the gate for the last time. Used by serving and ex-forces alike: 'back on civvy street' means back to a normal job, normal clothes ('civvies'), no one shouting at you at six in the morning. Often spoken with a mix of relief and dread.
civvy street In A Sentence
Origin & Usage
British WWII-era slang. 'Civvy' = civilian; 'street' lends the metaphor of a place you go to.
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