元もとを取とる

expression, godan verb (-ru)

get one's money's worth; recover costs; get a return on investment

Used when the benefit or enjoyment gained from something is considered to be worth the money spent, or when costs are recouped.

• この映えい画がは長ながかったけど、面おも白しろかったから元もとを取とれた気きがする。

  The movie was long, but it was interesting, so I feel like I got my money's worth.

• 高たかい会かい費ひを払はらった以い上じょう、元もとを取とるためにジムに通かよい詰つめた。

  Since I paid a high membership fee, I went to the gym religiously to get my money's worth.