Pay your dues Meaning in English
expression
释义
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.
用法与细微差别
Common in informal and workplace contexts. Refers to earning respect or advancement through effort, not privilege. Not about literal debt; use 'pay' only for the figurative sense here. Phrases: 'He paid his dues', 'You have to pay your dues first'.
例句
You have to pay your dues before you become a manager.
basic
New employees must pay their dues and learn the basics.
basic
Before you get the good jobs, you need to pay your dues.
basic
I spent years making coffee at the front desk—I definitely paid my dues.
natural
You can't expect to skip the hard work and not pay your dues.
natural
He finally got promoted—he really paid his dues over the years.
natural