Carry your weight

Meaning

Do your fair share of work.

Usage

Used when emphasizing responsibility.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Sailing crews had to carry their share of the load.

Used in 20th-century workplaces to describe teamwork.