pay dues

pay one's dues 

1. Lit. to pay the fees required to belong to an organization. If you haven't paid your dues, you can't come to the club picnic. How many people have paid their dues?

2. Fig. to have earned one's right to something through hard work or suffering. He worked hard to get to where he is today. He paid his dues and did what he was told. I have every right to be here. I paid my dues!

See also: due, pay

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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