ENGLISH
REFERENCE

ticket to ride

idiom
Meaning

Something that enables one to do something which would otherwise not be possible.


Origin

disputed origin

From the use of tickets to control access to various forms of transportation.

Examples
SIMPLE

This degree is my ticket to ride for a better career.

CONTEXTUAL

She believes that learning a second language will be her ticket to ride to a job in another country.

COMPLEX

For many young athletes, a standout performance at the national championship serves as their golden ticket to ride toward a professional contract.

Anchors to
Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    buy a ticket to

    Used to indicate that someone is in agreement with an assertion, statement, or suggestion.

  2. 02

    E ticket

    Something very thrilling or exciting.

  3. 03

    free ride

    An opportunity or benefit which has no cost, especially one enjoyed or undertaken at the expense of others.

  4. 04

    full ride

    A scholarship that covers all tuition, and in some cases fees or other educational and living expenses as well.

  5. 05

    go along for the ride

    To accompany someone in a passive manner, or to take a relatively passive or detached role in a project or group activity.

  6. 06

    golden ticket

    A qualification, person or thing that can provide positive opportunities.

  7. 07

    meal ticket

    Someone or something that provides income or livelihood, especially as an exploited source.

  8. 08

    Nantucket sleigh ride

    An instance of the dragging of a whaleboat across the surface of a body of water by a harpooned whale.

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