Phrase guide

earn one's keep

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To perform satisfactory physical labor or to provide other worthy services in return for remuneration, lodging, or other benefits; to support oneself financially.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: earn one's corn, earn one's crust, carry one's weight, bring home the bacon, earn a living, earn one's keep, keep the home fires burning, put bread on the table, put food on the table

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To be worthwhile.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: figuratively

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

10 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Finnish: tienata leipänsä — to perform physical labor or to provide services for remuneration, lodging, etc.
  • German: sich seinen Platz / sein Bett / sein Essen verdienen — to perform physical labor or to provide services for remuneration, lodging, etc.
  • German: seine Schuld abarbeiten — to perform physical labor or to provide services for remuneration, lodging, etc.
  • German: für Kost und Logis arbeiten — to perform physical labor or to provide services for remuneration, lodging, etc.
  • German: sich seinen Lebensunterhalt verdienen — to perform physical labor or to provide services for remuneration, lodging, etc.
  • German: sein Auskommen haben — to perform physical labor or to provide services for remuneration, lodging, etc.
  • Polish: pracować w zamian za wyżywienie i nocleg — to perform physical labor or to provide services for remuneration, lodging, etc.
  • German: lohnen — to be worthwhile
  • Polish: opłacać się — to be worthwhile
  • Polish: opłacić się — to be worthwhile