Teacher Discussion Forums

'earn one's keep'
A dictionary says it means 'work in return for
food and accommodations'.
I wonder what kind of situation it indicates.
Is the person living in someone else's house
and doing some work for them?
Doesn't it mean 'earn one's living'?

Thank you.

To earn's one keep is an idiom as I'm sure you know. It means to earn enough money to be able to pay for your living expenses.
Ex: He doesn't earn a lot of money, but he makes enough to earn his keep.

Thank you very much, engteacher.

Some parents, in the United States, also warn children - especially older ones living at home that they have to "ear their keep".