How to Pronounce "pay your dues"
expression
PAY-yer-DOOZ or PAY-yer-DYOOS
PAY-yaw-DYOOS
Definition
To work hard and gain experience, often by doing difficult or unpleasant tasks, before achieving success or respect. It means you have earned your position by putting in the necessary effort.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈpeɪ/ /ˈjɔɹ/, /ˈjʊɹ/ /ˈduz
British English
pˈeɪ/ /jˈɔː/ /djˈuːz
Simplified Pronunciation
US
PAY-yer-DOOZ or PAY-yer-DYOOS
UK
PAY-yaw-DYOOS
Listen in Context
You have to pay your dues before you become a manager.
New employees must pay their dues and learn the basics.
Before you get the good jobs, you need to pay your dues.
I spent years making coffee at the front desk—I definitely paid my dues.