ticket to ride
Something that enables one to do something which would otherwise not be possible.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“This degree is my ticket to ride for a better career.”
“A good credit score is your ticket to ride for a home loan.”
“This internship is my ticket to ride into the fashion industry.”
“She believes that learning a second language will be her ticket to ride to a job in another country.”
“Winning the local talent competition was his ticket to ride, giving him the chance to record his first album in a professional studio.”
“The new government grant acts as a ticket to ride for small businesses that want to expand into international markets.”
“For many young athletes, a standout performance at the national championship serves as their golden ticket to ride toward a professional contract.”
The term originates from the use of paper or cardboard vouchers to regulate access to various modes of public transportation. It entered general usage as a metaphor for the necessary permission or means required to embark on a journey or gain entry to a restricted space.
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buy a ticket to
Used to indicate that someone is in agreement with an assertion, statement, or suggestion.
- 02
E ticket
Something very thrilling or exciting.
- 03
free ride
An opportunity or benefit which has no cost, especially one enjoyed or undertaken at the expense of others.
- 04
full ride
A scholarship that covers all tuition, and in some cases fees or other educational and living expenses as well.
- 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.
- 06
golden ticket
A qualification, person or thing that can provide positive opportunities.
- 07
meal ticket
Someone or something that provides income or livelihood, especially as an exploited source.
- 08
Nantucket sleigh ride
An instance of the dragging of a whaleboat across the surface of a body of water by a harpooned whale.
Last updated August 10, 2026