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.
(..) your lot with him? He's a pirate! And a good man. If all I have achieved is the hangman will earn two pairs of boots instead of one, so be it. My conscience will be clear. You forget your place, Turner. It's right here between you and Jack. (..)2003 Pirates of the Caribbean: The Curse of the Black Pearl