worth one's salt

worth one's salt  {adj. phr.}

Being a good worker, or a productive person; worth what you cost.

Mr. Brown showed that he was worth his salt as a salesman when he got the highest sales record for the year.

- Often used with "not" or "hardly".

When the basketball team did so poorly, people felt that the coach was hardly worth his salt.

Compare: PAY ONE'S WAY (2).