The spelling of the phrase "were the ticket" can be explained using the International Phonetic Alphabet. The first word, "were," is pronounced as /wər/, with a weak schwa sound in the first syllable and a clear /r/ sound in the second syllable. The second word, "the," is pronounced as /ðə/, with the voiced dental fricative /ð/ and a weak schwa sound in the second syllable. Finally, "ticket" is pronounced as /ˈtɪkɪt/, with the primary stress on the first syllable and the short "i" vowel sound in the second syllable.
"Was the ticket" is an idiomatic expression used to describe something that was exactly what was needed or desired. It implies that a person or thing was precisely suited or perfectly well-matched for a particular purpose, situation, or requirement. It can also be used to indicate a positive outcome or a successful solution to a problem.
The phrase is derived from the idea that a ticket grants access or approval to something. In this context, "was the ticket" means that the person or thing in question served as the ideal, fitting, or appropriate solution to a given situation.
For example, if someone is looking for a reliable and experienced contractor to renovate their house, and they find one who not only has the necessary skills but also fits their budget and timeline, they might say that the contractor "was the ticket" they were looking for. This means that the contractor was the perfect match for their requirements.
Similarly, if someone is facing a difficult problem and they discover a solution that resolves it completely and effortlessly, they might say that the solution "was the ticket" to their problem. This indicates that the solution was precisely what they needed to achieve a positive outcome.
Overall, "was the ticket" is a colloquial expression used to emphasize the fitting, ideal, or desired nature of a person or thing in relation to a specific situation or requirement.