ride shotgun

Idioms  

1. Guard someone or something while in transit, as in The reporter found himself in the odd position of riding shotgun for an accused mobster. This term alludes to the armed defender of a stagecoach who sat beside the driver to protect against marauders and bandits. Later it was transferred to anyone riding in the front passenger seat of a motor vehicle, as well as to the more general function of protection. [Mid-1900s]

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

ride shotgun

I’d been invited to ride shotgun in various hot cars before but declined.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 18, 2026

I hadn’t had the experience, so to have someone you can ride shotgun with was great.

From Seattle Times ● Sep. 13, 2023

I’m just so thankful that my dad is going to be around for a long time to ride shotgun.

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 29, 2023

Mr. Kopczynski’s wife chose to stay home, but Karen Larrick, a teacher and school librarian, elected to ride shotgun in the Bugeye.

From New York Times ● Sep. 2, 2021

Then he wouldn’t have to ride shotgun anymore.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz