Reading Theme:
One-Way Ticket Meaning, Examples & Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：a single-journey ticket (one-way ticket)
one-way ticket
/ˈwʌn weɪ ˈtɪkɪt/
n. phrase
A ticket for travel to a place but not back again, like for a train or flight.
a single-journey ticket
➕
/ə ˈsɪŋɡəl ˈdʒɜːrni ˈtɪkɪt/
n. phrase
A ticket that allows travel to a destination without a return portion, used when the traveler does not plan to come back on the same route or carrier.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Composed of 'one-way' (single direction) and 'ticket' (travel document).
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a one-way street: you can only go forward, never turn back.
📖 Example
I need to book a one-way ticket from London to Paris for next Monday because I'm not sure when I'll return.
I need to book a one-way ticket from London to Paris for next Monday because I'm not sure when I'll return.
🔗 Collocations
buy a one-way ticket – purchase a ticket for travel in one direction only
one-way ticket to – a ticket indicating the destination without a return segment
one-way plane ticket – a one-way ticket for air travel
🔄 Synonyms
single ticket (n. phrase) – A ticket for a journey to a place but not back, commonly used in British English.
one-way fare (n. phrase) – The price charged for a one-way journey.
outbound ticket (n. phrase) – A ticket for travel away from the starting point, often used in logistics.
🚫 Antonyms
round-trip ticket (n. phrase) – A ticket that includes both the outward and return journeys.
return ticket (n. phrase) – Another term for a round-trip ticket, especially in British English.
🌱 Derivatives
one-way (adj.) – Involving or allowing travel in only one direction.
📖 Cultural Story
Originating in 19th-century rail travel, 'one-way ticket' literally referred to a ticket for single-direction travel. Its metaphorical use for irreversible decisions emerged in mid-20th century.
Meaning 2：an irreversible decision (one-way ticket)
one-way ticket
/ˈwʌn weɪ ˈtɪkɪt/
n. phrase
A metaphor for a decision or commitment that you cannot change or go back from.
an irreversible decision
➕
/ən ɪrɪˈvɜːrsəbəl dɪˈsɪʒən/
n. phrase
A metaphor for a choice or commitment that cannot be undone, leading to a new path with no possibility of returning to the previous state.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Accepting that job offer in another country felt like buying a one-way ticket-it was a big commitment to start a new life.
Accepting that job offer in another country felt like buying a one-way ticket - it was a big commitment to start a new life.
🔗 Collocations
a one-way ticket to disaster – a decision that will certainly lead to failure or ruin
a one-way ticket to success – a choice that guarantees success, often used ironically
buy a one-way ticket to (a situation) – to commit to an irreversible course of action
🔄 Synonyms
point of no return (n. phrase) – A stage in a process where it is impossible to go back to the previous state.
irrevocable step (n. phrase) – An action that cannot be reversed or undone.
life-changing commitment (n. phrase) – A serious promise or obligation that significantly alters one's life.
🚫 Antonyms
flexible option (n. phrase) – A choice that allows changes or reversals.
reversible decision (n. phrase) – A decision that can be changed or undone without major consequences.
Wordbook
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