She's just trying to 'earn a living'. [=to earn the money needed for food, clothing, etc.]
He will do anything to 'earn his keep'. [=to earn what is needed to support himself]
He 'earned/won his spurs' by doubling the company's profits in the past year.
(..) to let us go. I want the car! No, I'm not gonna do that. Look, I earn right to decide the future of my country. You're talking to the wrong guy. How willing are you to die for your country? (..)2016 13 Hours