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Region: General | Usage example: Winning the grant felt like a golden ticket.

Golden ticket

Meaning

An opportunity to access something special.

Usage

Used when describing rare privileges.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Roald Dahl's novel imagery of winners.

Popularized by the 1964 book/movie.

Related Idioms

A golden opportunity

A very desirable chance that does not come often.

Write your own ticket

Have the freedom to choose what you do.

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

More Idioms

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.