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.
(..) Let's get to work, how about... Caravan, bar One and two and It's not... not quite right Connelly I'd like to try Neyman on this. Maybe now is the time for Neyman to earn the part One and two and No, I guess not. Tanner One and two and Motherfucker! (..)2014 Whiplash
(..) Fletcher. Thanks man. Don't worry about Fletcher, he's more bark than bite. -Hey look, I can play these charts. -Now's not the time. -I can play. -I said not now! If you want the fucking part, earn it. I'm just gonna lay it out there. This is why I don't think that we shouldn't be together. (..)2014 Whiplash