earn one's corn

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

(英，非正式)凭实力获得应得的酬劳

earn one's keep

work in return for food and accommodation

谋生，挣饭吃

earn (one's) spurs

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

努力挣得，出名：经常是在面临困难的情况下，某人通过努力工作和经验的积累而获得的一定职位

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

外交家经过奋斗获得首相私人助理之职