punch someone's ticket

Definitions

1. To put someone, especially oneself, in a position to advance or to achieve a desired objective; to gain useful experience.
   North-America, idiomatic
2. To seriously harm or kill someone.
   North-America, idiomatic

Examples

“After building a business in the Texas oil world, Bush punched his ticket in the House of Representatives; served briefly as U.N. ambassador, Republican National Committee chairman and U.S. envoy to China; led the CIA for just under a year; ran for the GOP presidential nomination; joined Ronald Reagan’s ticket; and finally captured the White House, where he guided America through the Cold War’s end⟳ and stared down a Middle East dictator.”

“Just don't expect⟳ getting that promotion or winning that Pulitzer to punch your ticket to bliss.”

“The Mustangs emphatically punched their ticket to the Canadian college football final with a 61-6 rout of visiting St. Francis Xavier in the Mitchell Bowl on Saturday.”

“I always thought that if anyone ever broke into my house, that would be his last⟳ break-in. I'd get⟳ the gun and punch his ticket on the spot.”

“Phil put⟳ his arms around him. Drew him in close⟳, pressed his cheek to Dane's the way the Mafiosi in the fifties would kiss somebody right before they punched his ticket.”

“The two lawmen punched his ticket with four well-aimed rifle shots.”

CEFR level