Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

to earn a crust

idiom
/tə ɜrn ə krʌst/
Definition
To earn a living or to make money, usually in a humble or hard-working manner.
Examples
  • After losing his job, he had to find any way to earn a crust.
  • Many artists struggle to earn a crust while pursuing their passions.
  • She works two jobs just to earn a crust and support her family.
Meaning
The phrase ‘to earn a crust’ refers to the process of making a sufficient amount of money to support oneself, often through work that may not be glamorous. It suggests a basic means of survival rather than wealth or extravagance.
Synonyms
  • make a living
  • bring home the bacon
  • earn a living
  • provide for oneself