EARN KEEP Meaning and
Definition
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To earn one's keep means to support oneself financially by means of one's own labor or contributions. This idiom is rooted in the concept of earning the resources necessary for survival, particularly in the context of carrying out one's responsibilities or contributing to the household.
When an individual earns their keep, they are typically meeting their basic needs by working or providing a service. This phrase implies a sense of independence and self-sufficiency, suggesting that a person is capable of sustaining their own livelihood. It often applies to individuals who are contributing to the welfare of a household, group, or society on a regular basis.
Earning one's keep signifies a level of personal responsibility and accountability. It implies that an individual is actively working towards meeting their financial obligations and supporting themselves without relying on the assistance of others. This phrase can also be associated with the idea of earning one's place or position within a community or society, by actively contributing and fulfilling their duties.
Overall, to earn one's keep means to take on the responsibility of providing for oneself and meeting one's own needs through one's own efforts or contributions, demonstrating a sense of self-reliance and independence in sustaining one's livelihood.
Common Misspellings for EARN KEEP
- warn keep
- sarn keep
- darn keep
- rarn keep
- 4arn keep
- 3arn keep
- ezrn keep
- esrn keep
- ewrn keep
- eqrn keep
- eaen keep
- eadn keep
- eafn keep
- eatn keep
- ea5n keep
- ea4n keep
- earb keep
- earm keep
- earj keep
- earh keep
Etymology of EARN KEEP
The phrase "earn a keep" consists of two words: "earn" and "keep".
1. Earn: The word "earn" originated from the Old English word "earnian", which means "deserve, merit, or acquire". This word later evolved into "earnan" in Middle English and eventually became "earn" in modern English.
2. Keep: The term "keep" derives from the Old English word "cepian", meaning "to take care of, guard, or maintain". Over time, it transformed into "cēpan" in Middle English and eventually became "keep" in present-day English.
When combined, "earn keep" suggests the act of deserving or acquiring the means necessary to take care of oneself or maintain one's needs.
Idioms with the word EARN KEEP
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earn keep
To prove oneself capable, deserving, or able to maintain a certain level of performance, responsibility, or status.
