on the bum

on the bum

1. Used other than figuratively or idiomatically: see on,‎ the,‎ bum.
2. (idiomatic) Homeless; on the street.
   • 1870, M.P. Murphy, Iron Molders' Journal‎, volume 32, Iron Molders' Union of North America, page 518:

     I ask, how many of these hobos, who are on the bum, have the courage to ask for the drink?

   • 1936, George Orwell, Keep the Aspidistra Flying:

     Even now, though it was December, a few poor draggled old wrecks were settling down on the benches, tucking themselves up in sort of parcels of newspaper. Gordon looked at them callously. On the bum, they called it.

3. (idiomatic) Not working; out of order.