pay (one's) own way

pay (one's) own way

To be responsible for one's own financial obligations. I appreciate the offer to help with my tuition, but I can pay my own way! She's paid her own way her entire life, getting a job from as young as 15 to start saving up for college.See also: own, pay, way

pay one's own way

to pay for one's own transportation, entrance fees, tickets, room, board, etc. I wanted to go to Florida this spring, but my parents say I have to pay my own way.See also: own, pay, way