( The original content of the OP talked about getting around Can't use string ("0") as a SCALAR ref while "strict refs" by turning off strict. )

Unless you really are trying to access the variable $0, use strict 'refs'; caught a real error. Don't ignore it.

Sounds like you did

$ref = @array;
  or
$hoa{foo} = @array;
  or
$aoa[$i] = @array;
[download]

earlier in your program where you should have done

$ref = \@array;
  or
$hoa{foo} = \@array;
  or
$aoa[$i] = \@array;
[download]

or

$ref = [ @array ];
  or
$hoa{foo} = [ @array ];
  or
$aoa[$i] = [ @array ];
[download]