What is the meaning of "worth their salt" in the sentence below?
Hi,

I was reading a article when I came across this sentence: "and every Linux admin worth their salt knows SSH and how to configure it.". What is the meaning of "worth their salt"?

Question

What is the meaning of "worth their salt" in the sentence below?
Hi,

I was reading a article when I came across this sentence: "and every Linux admin worth their salt knows SSH and how to configure it.". What is the meaning of "worth their salt"?

Answer

As Paul says, Romans paid their soldiers in Salt.

Answer

A more natural way to say that would be "every Linux admin worth their salt" or "any Linux admin worth their salt" depending on the rest of the sentence

Answer

Advanced Learner's dictionary : "deserving of what one is worth. doing one's job competently."

I would disagree that to 'be worth your salt' means to be very good at your job. In the dictionaries I have consulted and in my personal usage it is closer to meaning "basically competent" and does not imply excellence.

Answer

Another question: can I use "every Linux admin who worth their salt"?

Answer

Tks Paul. Could you, please, post it as an answer so I can choose as Best Answer?

Answers · 6

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