earn your keep

USAGE SUMMARY

"earn your keep" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It means to contribute your fair share or pull your weight in a given situation, often in reference to work or responsibilities. Example: "I expect all employees to work hard and earn their keep in this company. Those who are not willing to do so will not last long here."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

21 human-written examples

Earn your keep.

The Guardian

In a market, you have to earn your keep.

The Guardian

"How will you earn your keep?" she asks.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Rather than report at a distance, you perform grueling crew duties to earn your keep.

The New Yorker

For a less structured work/travel experience, why not earn your keep in a hostel?

Independent

And when it comes to the money shot, you must earn your keep.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

Do that for a sixth of a century and you're probably earning your keep as a money manager (something that few do; see story, "The Way to Win on Wall Street Now").

Forbes

The working world, on the other hand, is about earning your keep.

Huffington Post

The flip side of avoiding debt is that instead of skulking around the ivory tower at some university, racking up student loans for four plus years, you could be out earning your keep the minute your high school diploma is in hand.

WikiHow

We intend to earn your trust and keep it day in and day out with hard work and a lot of transparency".

Huffington Post

You imagine living independently, and earning your own keep as you deal with grown up demands.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using this phrase when discussing expectations within a team, family, or organization. It sets a clear tone about shared responsibility and the importance of contributing.

Common error

Avoid using "earn your keep" in situations where someone's contribution is already understood or implied. Overusing it can create a sense of distrust or imply that someone is not valued.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "earn your keep" functions as an idiomatic expression, indicating the need to contribute adequately to justify one's position or resources. As Ludwig AI confirms, the expression is commonly employed to set expectations of contribution and responsibility.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

72%

Wiki

12%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Science

4%

Reference

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "earn your keep" is a commonly used and grammatically correct expression that signifies the act of contributing sufficiently to justify one's position or resources. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriate usage in both formal and informal contexts. It's important to use this phrase when there's a clear expectation of contribution and to avoid overuse in situations where contribution is already implicit. Semantically related phrases include "pull your weight", "contribute one's share", and "justify your existence". This phrase is frequently found in news and media sources, making it a versatile and widely understood expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pull your weight

Focuses on the effort and contribution required, similar to "earn your keep".

carry your weight

Similar to "pull your weight", emphasizing the burden of responsibility.

contribute one's share

Emphasizes the act of providing a portion or fulfilling an obligation.

justify your existence

Highlights the need to provide a reason or validation for being present or supported.

prove your worth

Stresses the need to demonstrate value and capabilities.

deserve your place

Indicates that one needs to act in a way that validates their right to occupy a position or role.

pay your dues

Suggests fulfilling obligations or enduring hardship to gain acceptance or status.

be of service

Highlights the act of providing assistance and support.

make a contribution

Focuses on the act of giving or adding value to a situation.

earn your stripes

Implies gaining experience and proving oneself through achievements.

FAQs

How can I use "earn your keep" in a sentence?

You can use "earn your keep" to emphasize the need to contribute and justify one's resources, for example, "Everyone in this household is expected to "pull their weight" and "earn your keep".

What does "earn your keep" mean?

"Earn your keep" means to contribute sufficiently to warrant what one is given or receives, often in terms of work, effort, or resources.

What are some alternatives to "earn your keep"?

Alternatives include "pull your weight", "contribute one's share", or "justify your existence", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "earn your keep" formal or informal?

"Earn your keep" is generally considered to be neutral in formality and can be used in both professional and informal contexts.