earn one's keep 1. 谋生，挣饭吃 Now he can just earn his keep working in a mine. 现在他在一家矿井干活，所得仅够糊口。 For the first time in many years, this country is earning its keep. 这个国家多年来第一次能够自给了。 2. 值得雇用；值得豢养 Mary thought her servant didn't earn his keep. 玛丽认为她的仆人(工作太差)不值得雇用。