Stuck in the gears of Modern Times?

Solution 1:

In British English, we say "he has slipped through the net."

The "net" is the "safety net." (The safety net in circuses is placed between trapeze artists and the ground so as to prevent serious injury or death if they should fall.) However, this is a figurative meaning and "the net" refers to the social welfare system that should prevent people from abject poverty.

In an article in 'The Manchester Evening News' on the homeless in Manchester, there is the comment:

“You see people walking into town from the B&Bs to beg with their shoes held together with elastic bands.”

Until it happened to him, he had no idea that this was where people end up, he admits.

“It’s disgusting. And the landlords are making money off them, but you become very resigned to it.

“These people have slipped through the net. Where’s their voice?”

https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/hidden-manchester-slums-story-squalor-14561374