at the wheel

Idioms  

1. In command, in control. For example, Ann hated being told what to do; she wanted to be at the wheel by herself. The analogy here is to the steering wheel of an automobile or other vehicle, or the helm of a vessel. For a synonym, see at the helm.

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Example Sentences

Drowsy driving isn’t just the act of nodding off at the wheel.

From Slate

Crucially, officers knew there was a good chance that whoever was at the wheel at the time of the crash might have come into contact with the driver's side airbag as it activated.

From BBC

DNA traces were discovered on the airbag – and became the conclusive proof that Challis was at the wheel at the time of the crash.

From BBC

Critics say the federal government was asleep at the wheel and hadn’t learned from the 2008 global financial crisis.

From Seattle Times

As a result, relatively new managers were at the wheel as Silicon Valley Bank’s risks grew and became clearer.

From New York Times