This phrase highlights socioeconomic disparities and is often used to describe societal divisions. Despite her success, she often mentioned being from the wrong side of the tracks.
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Idiomatic Geography
The 'tracks' refer to train tracks, which physically divided towns into richer and poorer areas in the past. He's proud of making it big despite coming from the wrong side of the tracks.
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Metaphorical Use
Used metaphorically, it's not about literal geography, but a commentary on class and origins. She felt his family saw her as a girl from the wrong side of the tracks.