worth one's while
worth (one's) while
Beneficial and not a waste of one's time. I was reluctant to do research at a different library, but it turned out to be totally worth my while, as they had a ton of books on my topic! Will you drive me to the party tonight? I'll make it worth your while—how about I do your chores for a week?
See also: while, worth
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
worth one's while
1. Merit one's time or efforts, as in It's hardly worth your while to count the transactions; it can be done by computer. [Late 1600s]
2. make something worth one's while. Compensate one for one's time or efforts, as in If you take care of our yard while we're away, I'll make it worth your while. [Mid-1800s] Both usages employ while in the sense of "a period of time spent."
See also: while, worth
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
- be worth (one's) while
- (it's) just as well (that) (something happened)
- a change is as good as a rest
- better than a poke in the eye (with a sharp stick)
- rusty
- be in for a treat
- a good spell
- be more trouble than it's worth
- a good turn