write one's own ticket
To be empowered to choose whichever job, financial arrangement, or course of action one desires.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“With those skills, you can write your own ticket.”
“After winning the national championship, the young athlete could write her own ticket regarding which team she wanted to join.”
“Because his research revolutionized the entire industry, the scientist found himself in the rare position of being able to write his own ticket at any university in the world.”
- 01
abound in one's own sense
To follow one’s own inclinations and opinions.
- 02
ace up one's sleeve
A surprise advantage of which others are not aware.
- 03
act one's age
To behave in a manner appropriate to one's age.
- 04
act one's age, not one's shoe size
Synonym of act one's age (“to behave in a mature manner; to avoid being childish”).
- 05
afraid of one's own shadow
Exceptionally timid.
- 06
air one's dirty laundry in public
To reveal one's sordid secrets to the public.
- 07
air one's dirty linen in public
Synonym of air one's dirty laundry in public.
- 08
albatross around one's neck
A characteristic, possession, associate, or previous deed that hinders one's ability to succeed.
Last updated August 10, 2026