punch (one's) ticket

punch (one's) ticket

1. Literally, to punch a hole in or otherwise mark one's ticket, especially for a bus or train, to show they have paid the fare to ride. An attendant will come around to punch your ticket after we leave the station. If you fail to show a valid ticket or provide prove of identification upon request, you may be subject to a $50 fine.
2. By extension, to perform an action that allows one to proceed, especially in a competition. With a win tonight, they will punch their ticket to the tournament. If this deal goes through, you'll have punched your ticket to the corner office.
See also: punch, ticket
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

punch your ticket

deliberately undertake particular assignments that are likely to lead to promotion at work. US informal
See also: punch, ticket
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • punch your ticket
  • land a punch
  • get one’s ticket punched
  • punch a hole in
  • punch a hole in (something)
  • low blow
  • be (as) pleased as punch
  • punch
  • standee
  • punch up