Final answer:
The idiom 'pay your dues' means to work hard and gain experience in order to succeed in a field.
Step-by-step explanation:
The idiom 'pay your dues' means that in order to succeed in this field, a person must work hard and put in effort to gain the necessary experience and expertise. It does not refer to teaching classes, being on time, or paying money. Paying your dues could involve taking entry-level positions, doing grunt work, or completing required tasks to earn recognition and progress in the field.
Learn more about Idioms and their meanings