work one's passage

To pay for one's voyage by working while on board, rather than by paying a fare.

Japanese Meaning

船に乗って働くことで、その旅費（運賃）を賄うこと

To work one's passage was a common option for young immigrants who couldn't afford a steerage ticket.

船内で働いて旅費を稼ぐことは、下層船室の運賃を払えない若い移民にとって一般的な選択肢だった。

Sense（1）

To pay for one's voyage by working while on board, rather than by paying a fare.

works one's passage

（ present singular third-person ）

working one's passage

（ participle present ）

worked one's passage

（ participle past ）

worked one's passage

（ past ）