pay one’s dues
pay (one's) dues
1. Literally, to pay the requisite fees to enter into or remain in an organization. If you don't pay your dues every month, they will rescind your membership without warning.
2. By extension, to work hard, gain the necessary skills or experience, or suffer hardships (in order to earn a position, set of rights, the respect of others, etc.). I paid my dues working in the warehouse for 10 years before I got this job in the head office.
3. To serve the sentence given to one upon conviction of a crime. He paid his dues in the eyes of the law, so he shouldn't be facing any further punishment for his past crimes. A: "We can't re-hire you—you're a criminal!" B: "Hey, I spent nearly 15 years in prison. I've paid my dues!"
See also: due, pay
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
pay one’s dues
verbSee pay one’s dues to society
See also: due, pay
pay one’s dues
tv. to serve one’s time in a menial role. (see also pay one’s dues (to society).) I spent some time as a bus boy, so I’ve paid my dues in the serving business.
See also: due, pay
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
- paid one's dues
- pay (one's) dues
- pay dues
- pay one's dues
- pay the penalty for (something)
- pay the freight
- pay-for-play
- put (one) to great expense
- pay by
- pay out of pocket