A meal ticket is an idiom that refers to a source of financial support, usually obtained through a job or other means. Some synonyms for meal ticket include breadwinner, provider, supporter, sustainer, and benefactor. These words all imply someone who is responsible for the financial well-being of a person or family. Another synonym for meal ticket is gravy train, which has a slightly negative connotation and implies that the financial support is effortless or undeserved. However, regardless of the word used, having a reliable source of income is important for meeting basic needs and achieving financial stability.