earn keep
Related to earn keep: keep in check, keep under wraps, keep abreast of, keep a low profile, keep pace with
earn (one's) keep
To perform sufficient work or help in exchange for money or housing. If you're going to live here rent-free, then you need to earn your keep by helping out with the cooking and cleaning. That boarder earns his keep by doing maintenance in the building.
See also: earn, keep
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
earn one's keep
to help out with chores in return for food and a place to live; to earn one's pay by doing what is expected. I earn my keep at college by shoveling snow in the winter. Tom hardly earns his keep around here. He should be fired.
See also: earn, keep
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
- earn (one's) keep
- earn one's keep
- earn your keep
- be at work
- comfortable circumstances
- spend money like a drunken sailor
- low rent
- low-rent
- go cap in hand
- go cap in hand (to someone)