earn an honest penny

Related to earn an honest penny: turn an honest penny

earn an honest penny

To earn money in an honorable and legitimate way, typically through one's hard work. I used to swindle people, but I earn an honest penny these days, I swear! You're 40 years old—you need to get a job and start earning an honest penny.
See also: earn, honest, penny
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

earn (or turn) an honest penny

earn money by fair means, especially by hard work.
See also: earn, honest, penny
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • earn a crust
  • earn a/your crust
  • earn (one's) daily bread
  • crust
  • earn (one's) crust
  • earn a packet
  • make good money
  • earn a mint
  • an honest buck
  • earn an honest buck
References in periodicals archive
Little wonder so many don't try to earn an honest penny when they are released.
Eve Pollard Column: Archer's in write for once