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.
(..) Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,Now, while you're here, your house\Nwill be like your family. Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,Your triumphs will earn you points. Dialogue: Marked=..,Default,NTP,!Effect,Any rule-breaking,\Nand you will lose points. (..)2001 Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone