In the driver’s seat

Meaning

The idiom "in the driver's seat" means being in control, having authority or power to make decisions. It implies that the person in this position is able to influence events and can take charge of a situation. The phrase is derived from the literal meaning of being behind the wheel of a car, where the driver has the control and direction of the vehicle.

Usage

• As the project manager, Sarah was in the driver's seat of the team's success.
• After years of hard work, John finally took over his father's company and is now in the driver's seat of their family business.
• The CEO has complete control over the company's decisions and is in the driver's seat of the organization's future direction.
• As a salesperson, I am always on the lookout for new opportunities and try to stay in the driver's seat of my career.
• With her impressive leadership skills, Maria was able to turn around the struggling department and is now in the driver's seat of its success.

Roots and History

The origin of this idiom can be traced back to the early automobiles where drivers had control over the direction and speed of the car by sitting behind the wheel. Over time, the phrase has evolved to mean being in charge or having control over something, whether it's a project, business, or personal life. The use of this idiom is common in English as well as other languages.

Synonyms in English

• In the driving seat/pilot position
• Behind the wheel
• At the helm
• In command
• Leading the way

Synonyms in other languages

• Spanish: En el puesto de conductor/en la cabeza del coche
• French: À l'échelle du conducteur/dans le siège de la voiture
• German: Am Fahrzeuglenk/im Führersitz
• Italian: Nella posizione di guida/nello sgabello del guidatore
• Mandarin Chinese: 驾驶员/主导者

Similar Idioms

• in no time

• in broad daylight

• mark my words