Make an honest buck American idiom
The expression is mainly used in the US.
The phrase describes making a living in legal ways.
After he gets out of prison, he chooses to make an honest buck.
Many teenagers don't want to make an honest buck, they often steal something expensive to sell them.
The verb "make" should be conjugated according to its tense.
Daughter: So I really want all my friends to have a great time. I was thinking it would be a good idea to have some candy out on the tables for people to snack on.
Mother: Well, if you want them to really enjoy themselves, candy is dandy but liquor is quicker.