earn one's keep
The phrase "earn one's keep" is often used to describe the act of justifying one's existence or role by contributing meaningfully, typically through work or services.
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Definition
B2General
(idiomatic)To perform work or duties in exchange for necessities such as food or lodging.
Example
- He earned his keep by helping out with the household chores.
- The intern earns her keep by assisting with various office tasks.
B2Figurative
(idiomatic)To justify one's position or role by contributing effectively or providing value.
Example
- The new software quickly earned its keep by significantly improving productivity.
- She earns her keep at the company by consistently exceeding her sales targets.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "earn one's keep":
pay one's own waypay one's duesmake a livingbring home the baconkeep the wolf from the doorwin one's spursdo one's dutymake one's bonespay the rentearn outeke out