earn one’s crust: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘earn one's crust’ mean?
The idiom "earn one's crust" means to make enough money or achieve the necessary income to survive or sustain oneself.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "keep the wolf from the door" means to have enough money or resources to provide for one's basic needs and avoid poverty or hunger.
The idiom "in the money" means to be in a financially successful or prosperous situation.
The idiom "hold one's own" means to be able to compete or perform adequately in a given situation, often against strong opponents or in challenging circumstances.
The idiom "hand-to-mouth" means living in a state of poverty or scarcity, barely being able to meet one's basic needs for survival.
The idiom "hand to mouth" means living in poverty or a state of financial insecurity, where one is barely able to meet their basic needs.
The idiom "get one's fill" means to have enough of something or to satisfy one's desire or appetite for something, usually to the point of feeling full or content.
The idiom "get it how one lives" means to do whatever is necessary or to go to great lengths to obtain something, often with a sense of determination or resilience.
The idiom "fill one's boots" means to take full advantage or make the most of an opportunity, often in a selfish or greedy way.
The idiom "fight one's corner" means to defend oneself or stand up for one's own beliefs, ideas, or rights, especially when facing opposition or criticism.
The idiom "feather one's nest" means to accumulate wealth or resources for one's personal benefit, often through cunning or unethical means. It suggests the act of building a comfortable and secure home for oneself by adding more and more feathers to a nest, symbolizing wealth and comfort.
Decoding Professional Accomplishments
"Earn one's crust" is a common idiom in the English language that refers to the act of making a living or earning money through one's work or profession. It is believed to have originated in the late 19th century and is still relevant in modern times.
This idiom emphasizes the need to earn enough money to support oneself and meet basic needs, particularly the need for food. The term "crust" in this context symbolizes the essential part of a loaf of bread that provides sustenance for survival.
The association between bread and sustenance in various cultures throughout history is the origin of this idiom. Bread has always been seen as a staple food that provides nourishment and is vital for survival, which is reflected in proverbs and sayings across different regions.
The idiom "earn one's crust" highlights the necessity of working and earning a living to support oneself. Although it may not be commonly used in everyday conversation, its underlying meaning is widely understood. This expression is relevant in discussions about job security, income, and the challenges of making ends meet in a competitive economic environment.
The versatility of this idiom allows it to be applied in various contexts. It is suitable for both skilled professionals who earn a comfortable living and laborers who work hard to make ends meet. It encapsulates the idea that individuals must exert effort and work to sustain themselves financially.
The idiom "earn one's crust" serves as a reminder of the importance of work and the need to earn a living. It succinctly conveys the notion that individuals must strive to support themselves financially, particularly to meet their basic needs. Like many idioms, "earn one's crust" has become deeply embedded in the English language, providing insight into our society's values and priorities.
The related idiom "earn one's keep" also emphasizes the need to earn a living. It is often used to describe someone who contributes their fair share to a household or group by earning their own money or providing a service. Similar to "earn one's crust," this idiom underscores the importance of working to support oneself and meet basic needs.
Another related idiom is "bread and butter," which refers to a person's main source of income or livelihood. Just as bread and butter are considered essential staples in many diets, this idiom highlights the significance of a reliable source of income in sustaining one's life and well-being.
The final related idiom is "bring home the bacon." This expression is used to denote the act of earning a living or providing for one's family. In traditional households, bacon was often considered a luxury item or special treat, so "bringing home the bacon" meant bringing home money or resources to support the family.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "earn one's crust" can be used in a sentence:
- He worked two jobs to earn his crust and support his family.
- As a struggling actor, she had to wait tables to earn her crust.
- After years of experience, he finally earned his crust as a successful entrepreneur.
More "Work" idioms
