元もとが取とれる

expression, ichidan verb

recover costs; break even

Used when an investment, purchase, or expense yields enough return to cover the original outlay. Often used in business or personal finance contexts.

See also: 元 (もと)

• この機き械かいは高たかいけど、たくさん使つかえばすぐに元もとが取とれるよ。

  This machine is expensive, but if you use it a lot, you'll quickly recover the cost.

• 広こう告こく費ひをかけたけど、売うり上あげが伸のびて元もとが取とれた。

  We spent money on advertising, but sales increased and we broke even.

expression, ichidan verb

pay off; be worth the effort

Idiomatic extension: effort, hardship, or time invested yields a worthwhile result. Often used for studying, training, or difficult experiences.

• 毎まい日にち練れん習しゅうしたおかげで試し合あいに勝かてた。苦く労ろうの元もとが取とれたよ。

  Thanks to practicing every day, we won the match. The hard work paid off.

• この資し格かくを取とるのは大たい変へんだったけど、転てん職しょくに役やく立だって元もとが取とれた。

  Getting this qualification was tough, but it helped me change jobs and was worth the effort.