Learn English – What’s a good idiom to describe someone who is included in a group only because they have something the group needs

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I want a one or two word title for a character who is included in a group only because he is their "ticket" to get where they want to go. "Ticket" is what I'm thinking now but would love another option. Basically, where the other two are trying to go they can't get through without his permission.

Best Answer

If the word ticket is needed than surely you are looking for meal ticket.

Informal: someone upon whom one is dependent for one's income or livelihood: selfish children who look upon their father only as a meal ticket.