pay dues

pay your dues

to work hard or do something unpleasant over a long period in order to achieve something. I've looked after four kids for sixteen years, I've paid my dues, and now I want some time to enjoy myself.

See also: due, pay

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pay your dues

to earn respect because you worked hard to develop a skill. She paid her dues playing in small clubs in New York before an album made her famous.

Etymology: based on the literal meaning of dues (= money paid to belong to an organization)

See also: due, pay