Just the ticket

Feifei Hello, I’m Feifei, and this is The English We Speak and today I’m with Rob. Hi Rob, how are you?

Rob Hi Feifei… I’m fine but I can’t quite understand why you’ve brought me to a railway station.

Feifei
Isn’t that obvious?

Rob No. And what’s that piece of paper you’re waving in your hand?

Feifei Oh this? This is a ticket.

Rob A ticket. Why would you bring me to a railway station and show me a ticket? It’s cold and we could be in a warm studio presenting this programme. And anyway, don’t you know it’s my birthday and we’re supposed to be going out to celebrate later?

Feifei I know it’s your birthday, you told me last week and you said something about wanting a present that was ‘just the ticket’. So here it is.

Rob Oh Feifei - I didn’t want a ticket - when I said ‘just the ticket’ I meant I wanted something that was exactly what I wanted or needed: A camera, a computer game or maybe a nice bottle of whisky.

Feifei Oh right, I see.

Rob Oh dear, what a wasted trip Feifei. Now we’re here, let’s hear some more examples of the phrase ‘just the ticket’…

Examples Oh I feel terrible: I’ve got a cold and my nose it blocked but a drink of hot honey and lemon would be just the ticket to make me feel better.

I think a new art gallery will be just the ticket for improving the image of the town and encouraging more people to visit.

Our car has got seven seats, so it’s just the ticket for taking all the kids to football practice every week.

Feifei So that’s ‘just the ticket’ - which describes something that exactly what is wanted or needed. OK Rob, so you wanted something for your birthday that was ‘just the ticket’ - well you’re looking at it.

Rob You Feifei?

Feifei No Rob. This ticket in my hand. Have you actually looked at it?

Rob OK let me see… Wow! A train ticket to Paris, for me? That’s really generous of you. Thanks Feifei! When do we go?

Feifei We? No, it’s just one ticket - I couldn’t afford two. Now look, the train’s about to leave so you had better go. Have a good trip!

Rob
Oh right. Well I had better go. See ya.

Feifei Bye Rob. Phew, two days in the office without Rob - that is ‘just the ticket’ for me!