pull one's (own) weight, to

pull one's weight

Also, pull one's own weight. Do one's share, as in We have a small organization, so we all must pull our own weight. This term comes from rowing, where each crew member must pull on an oar at least enough to propel himself or herself. Its figurative use dates from about 1900. See also: pull, weight

pull (one's) weight

To do one's own share, as of work.See also: pull, weight

pull one's (own) weight, to

To do one’s share of the work. This term comes from rowing, where each member of a crew must pull on an oar at least hard enough to propel his or her own weight. The term was used figuratively from about 1900 on. In a 1902 speech, Theodore Roosevelt said, “The first requisite of a good citizen . . . is that he shall be able and willing to pull his weight.” See also: pull