meal ticket

• Человек, навык или вещь, которые обеспечивают надежный источник дохода или финансовой поддержки; часто используется для описания человека, который финансово зависит от другого, или таланта, гарантирующего средства к существованию.

A person, skill, or thing that provides a reliable source of income or financial support, often used to describe someone who is financially dependent on another person or a talent that guarantees a living.

1. Source of income or livelihoodB2informal

   A person, job, or thing that provides one's primary financial support or means of living.

   Источник дохода

   • He treats his wealthy wife as his meal ticket.
   • For many artists, a day job is their meal ticket while they pursue their passion.
   • That invention became his meal ticket for the rest of his life.

2. Ticket for a mealA2formal

   A physical or digital ticket that entitles the holder to receive a meal, often in a cafeteria or at an event.

   Талон на питание

   • Each attendee received a meal ticket upon registration.
   • You need to present your meal ticket at the cafeteria entrance.
   • The conference provided meal tickets for all participants.