Punch (one's) ticket verb phrase
To punch a hole in one's ticket to show that they have paid for a ride
After I bought the ticket, the bus aide quickly punched my ticket.
Hold this and take your seat first. I will come and punch your ticket soon.
To do something that allows one to go further in a competition or to be promoted at work
She has punched her ticket to her second Olympics Games.
You have punched your ticket to the final round with this win.
The verb "punch" must be conjugated according to its tense.
The origin of this phrase is not clear.
A legal matter that is very easy to solve
The house owners didn't lock the doors before going out, and that's why they got broken in. This is an open and shut case.