walk the streets

verb4

1. •
   To walk about in a city or town, especially as an activity in itself.

   • The art of walking the streets, if it was ever known, is a lost art in America. — 1874
2. •
   To be free to move about in a city or town.

   • Doctor, you have stated that you assumed that there are many people walking the streets who are neurotic. — 1951
3. •
   To prostitute.
4. •
   (old-fashioned) To be unemployed; to be looking for work.

   • Trade conditions in Waco are dull just now and we have a number of our union men walking the streets. — 1913