worth salt


worth (one's) salt

Warranting respect in a certain field or area, typically because one does one's job well. Any teacher worth his salt is able to inspire his students. I'm confident enough to know I'm worth my salt around here. I make a lot of money for this company.See also: salt, worth

worth one's salt

Fig. worth (in productivity) what it costs to keep or support one. We decided that you are worth your salt, and you can stay on as office clerk. You're not worth your salt. Pack up!See also: salt, worth

ˌworth your/its ˈsalt

deserving respect, especially because you do your job well: Any teacher worth his salt knows that students who enjoy a lesson learn the most.This may refer to the fact that in Roman times soldiers were given an allowance of salt as part of their pay. The Latin word salarium (= the money given to Roman soldiers to buy salt) is the origin of the word ‘salary’.See also: salt, worth

worth (one's) salt

Efficient and capable.See also: salt, worth