golden ticket

English

Etymology

From golden +‎ ticket; reference to the Roald Dahl's book Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (1964).

Pronunciation

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Noun

golden ticket (plural golden tickets)

1. (idiomatic) A qualification, person or thing that can provide lucrative opportunities.
   • 2006, Ange Picillo - How I Became the President of the Self-Centered Club for Men page 2.

     The shiny brass trumpet that Pop bought was his golden ticket out of Poorville and onto the streets of the three F's Fame, Fortune and Freedom.

   • 1973, Harvard Alumni Association - Harvard Magazine page 67

     So the Harvard diploma is now, more than ever, a golden ticket to a certain kind of success.

2. A philosophy that a quick fix can be achieved.

   He believes in the golden ticket.