# worth one's salt

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/worth-ones-salt
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

Adept or competent, especially at one's occupation.

## Examples

- Any good teacher is worth their salt.
- If the new mechanic is worth his salt, he will find the engine problem quickly.
- Any professional worth their salt understands that thorough preparation is the foundation of a successful project.

## Origin

First attested in 1805. Perhaps referencing the derivation of the word salary from Latin sal (“salt”), which is correct (though the related idea that soldiers were paid in salt is not). Or more generally from the fact that salt was a fairly valuable commodity in pre-modern times. (disputed)

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.