When something is exactly what is needed or called for, it is just the ticket. An even newer way of using this expression is to say “that’s the ticket!” in regard to something that is perfectly suitable for the situation. A cup of hot chocolate on a cold day is “just the ticket.” When someone offers you a glass of ice water on a hot summer’s day, you might say, “That’s the ticket,” while drinking it. This is a slightly old-fashioned expression and may be American in origin. A similar idiom is just what the doctor ordered. Read on below for the full meaning of this idiom, sentence examples, and notes on the origin.
Meaning of Idiom “Just the Ticket”
- When something is just the ticket, it is exactly what is needed or exactly right.
- Something that will solve the problem; the perfect solution.
- The precise thing a person needs.
- Something quite welcomed or appreciated.
Sentence Examples
“A cold beer after a hard day’s work is just the ticket.”
“Just keep doing what you’re doing; that’s the ticket. You’ll get used to it in no time.”
“This new plugin I got for my website is just the ticket.”
“A nice, quiet dinner at home is just the ticket. I’m tired of going out.”
“Going to church, reading the Bible, and believing in Jesus, brother, that’s your ticket.” — 21 Grams (2004)
“Humility? No, not humility. You got bags of humility. Aggression, confidence, that’s the ticket. Take charge. Let people know who you are.” — Superman (1978)
“A nice, warm fire would be the thing for you. A little nip from the old bottle wouldn’t be too bad either, sir. “That’s the ticket, yes.” — Young Frankenstein (1974)
Similar Idioms
Just what the doctor ordered: exactly what was needed or wanted; something that is beneficial or desirable under the current circumstances; something that will make a person feel better.
Just the thing: the precise thing needed for a particular situation or moment. Example: “A good night’s sleep is just the thing to make you feel better after such a hard day.”
The very thing: exactly what is required. Example: “My father always comes over with the very thing needed to fix my car.”
Origin
While the idiom “just the ticket” would seem to be related to a ticket for a train or ocean trip, it may have derived from books of tickets for the poor. These were so-called charity tickets or dispensary tickets. Subscribers to dispensaries were often issued these books of tickets to give to the poor. Impoverished people could then use the individual tickets for certain types of aid, such as food or medical care.