golden ticket

American  

[gohl-duhn tik-it] / ˈgoʊl dən ˈtɪk ɪt /

noun

Informal.

1. a way or chance to obtain something valuable or desirable that is often hard to get.

   A lot of parents think that getting into a prestigious university is a golden ticket, but you have to work hard to make that opportunity count.

   The serum contains proven ingredients that are a golden ticket to longer, healthier nails.

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Etymology

Origin of golden ticket

First recorded in 1680–90

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

golden ticket

The Coppa del Duce, more than 90 years on, comes shaped like a golden ticket.

From Slate ● Jun. 11, 2026

Melissa Krider thought she’d won the golden ticket when she discovered she’d been selected in the Great Smoky Mountains lottery.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 3, 2026

While Barlow is clear no decision has been taken about any first possible release site, wildlife charities are hoping for the golden ticket.

From BBC ● Apr. 14, 2026

Beware of assuming that if an adviser who typically serves wealthier people makes an exception for you, it’s a golden ticket.

From MarketWatch ● Apr. 10, 2026

It was my golden ticket, almost like a VIP pass to any funeral I wanted to go to.

From "The Boy in the Black Suit" by Jason Reynolds