pay one's way

Definitions

Of an individual or business, to earn enough to cover one's expenses.

Examples

“The train⟳ service averaged four trains each way on weekdays, and a single Sunday train⟳ in each direction, but though the line continued to pay⟳ its way until the first world war, immediately afterwards receipts dropped to such an extent that on February 8, 1924, a meeting was called to consider⟳ closing the line.”

“Only a year ago it would have⟳ needed a "super-Micawber" to be optimistic that the railways would once again pay⟳ their way. But it was no longer a pipe dream⟳ that B.R. could make⟳ a profit, the way to do it was now clear.”

CEFR level