pay one's dues

== English == === Pronunciation === === Verb === pay one's dues (third-person singular simple present pays one's dues, present participle paying one's dues, simple past and past participle paid one's dues) To outlay money which is owed as a membership fee or price of admission. (idiomatic) To acquire status or to earn the right to enjoy certain benefits, especially through lengthy experience, hardship, or service to an organization.