earn one's keep: meaning & examples

Meanings:

• 1.

  generalneutralidiomatic
  • To perform work or contribute effort in return for food, lodging, wages, or other maintenance.

  Examples

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  • The new helper had to earn his keep by doing chores around the house every day.

    Le nouvel aide devait mériter sa place en faisant les tâches ménagères tous les jours.

  • She earns her keep at the hostel by managing the front desk and cleaning rooms.

    Elle mérite son hébergement à l’auberge en gérant la réception et en nettoyant les chambres.

  • If you want to stay here, you’ll need to earn your keep by contributing to the farm work.

    Si tu veux rester ici, tu devras mériter ta place en aidant aux travaux de la ferme.

• 2.

  generalinformalidiomatic
  • To justify one's continued employment, support, or presence by being useful, productive, or otherwise contributing value.

  Examples

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  • Employees must continually earn their keep by meeting performance goals and deadlines.

    Les employés doivent continuellement justifier leur place en atteignant les objectifs et les délais.

  • He earns his keep at the company by always being reliable and taking on extra tasks when needed.

    Il mérite sa place dans l’entreprise en étant toujours fiable et en assumant des tâches supplémentaires quand c’est nécessaire.

  • To keep your job, you have to earn your keep and show consistent value to your team.

    Pour garder ton emploi, tu dois mériter ta place et montrer une valeur constante à ton équipe.