The phrase "earning keep" refers to someone who is capable of supporting themselves financially. The spelling of "earning keep" follows the normal English pronunciation rules, with "earn" pronounced as /ˈɜːrnɪŋ/ and "keep" pronounced as /kiːp/. The vowel in "earn" is pronounced as the "er" sound in "her", while the vowel in "keep" is pronounced as the "ee" sound in "sheep". Together, these sounds create the commonly used phrase "earning keep".
Earning one's keep refers to the act of making enough money or contributing in a significant way to support oneself or meet one's financial obligations. This phrase is often used to describe an individual's ability to financially sustain themselves without relying on others for financial support.
The concept of earning one's keep is closely associated with self-sufficiency and independence. It implies that an individual is able to generate income or contribute with their skills, talents, or efforts to cover their expenses, such as housing, food, and other daily necessities.
The notion of earning one's keep can be applied to various contexts, including employment, entrepreneurship, or personal finance. In the workplace, it refers to an employee's ability to generate enough value to justify their salary, while in business, it implies a company's ability to generate profits and sustain its operations. On a personal level, it can indicate an individual's capability to manage their finances responsibly.
Earning one's keep is often considered a fundamental aspect of adulthood and responsibility. It entails being accountable for one's financial well-being and actively contributing to society or an organization. This phrase embodies the idea that individuals should be self-reliant and contribute to the economic ecosystem in which they live.
The phrase "earning one's keep" originated from the Old English word "cēpan" which means "to take, catch, or seize". In earlier usage, "keep" referred to food or provisions provided for oneself or another person's sustenance. The concept of earning one's keep emerged when individuals were expected to contribute to their own sustenance by working and earning wages or income. Over time, "earning one's keep" became a commonly used idiom to describe the act of contributing or being responsible for one's own livelihood.