Sing for your supper: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Sing for your supper” mean?

"Sing for your supper" means to perform a task or favor in exchange for a meal or other form of compensation.

What context can I use the in?

Example

He had to sing for his supper by doing extra work.

Example

She's always willing to sing for her supper to get what she wants.

Example

The team had to sing for their supper in order to secure funding for their project

Is “Sing for your supper” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Sing for your supper” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Sing for your supper” effectively in context?

You can use "Sing for your supper" to describe someone who is willing to do something in exchange for a favor or reward. It implies that the person is using their skills or talents to earn what they want. For example, if a coworker is always volunteering for extra tasks to impress the boss, you might say, 'She's always willing to sing for her supper to get what she wants.'

• 1. Work

  He had to sing for his supper by doing extra work.

• 2. Negotiation

  She's always willing to sing for her supper to get what she wants.

• 3. Fundraising

  The team had to sing for their supper in order to secure funding for their project.

Similar phrases to “Sing for your supper”:

Pay your dues

To work hard and prove oneself in order to earn privileges or recognition

Example

He worked his way up from an intern to a manager, paying his dues along the way.

Earn your keep

To contribute or work in exchange for support or accommodation

Example

As a live-in nanny, she earned her keep by taking care of the children and doing household chores.

Put in the hours

To work diligently and for long hours to achieve a goal

Example

She put in the hours to complete the project before the deadline.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Sing for your supper” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Sing for your supper" is unknown.

Is “Sing for your supper” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Sing for your supper" is a well-known idiom and is commonly used in everyday conversation. People often use it to describe someone who is willing to work hard or use their skills to earn a reward or favor.

What tone does “Sing for your supper” have?

"Sing for your supper" conveys a tone of determination and resourcefulness. It suggests that the person is willing to put in effort and use their abilities to achieve their goals.

Can “Sing for your supper” be used in informal and formal settings?

Yes, "Sing for your supper" can be used in both informal and formal settings. It's a versatile expression that describes the act of doing something in exchange for a favor or reward. You can use it in casual conversations with friends or colleagues, as well as in more formal situations such as negotiations or business meetings.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It's commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'He had to sing for his supper by taking on extra tasks.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'Time to "sing for your supper"!' to imply the need to work hard or prove oneself.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• work for your rewards
• trade favors
• do something in return
• exchange services for benefits
• perform for a reward

Antonyms

• receive without effort
• get something for nothing
• be handed rewards
• take without giving
• get a free ride