earn one's corn

(Brit. informal)put in a lot of effort to show that one deserves one's wages

(英，非正式)憑實力獲得應得的酬勞

earn one's keep

work in return for food and accommodation

謀生，掙飯吃

earn (one's) spurs

To gain a position through hard work and the accumulation of experience, often in the face of difficulties

努力掙得，出名：經常是在面臨困難的情況下，某人通過努力工作和經驗的積累而獲得的一定職位

a diplomat who had earned his spurs as the prime minister's personal assistant.

外交家經過奮斗獲得首相私人助理之職