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

See Examples For:

at the wheel

Riggs said the Teamsters’ safety argument is weakened by the inconsistent safety record of human truck drivers, who have fallen asleep at the wheel or driven while distracted or otherwise impaired.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 29, 2026

At first, his pregnant wife was scared he might fall asleep at the wheel.

From BBC ● Jul. 24, 2026

And in life, they let each other take turns at the wheel, planning events and dates with a notable regard for the other person.

From Salon ● Jul. 5, 2026

It looks like any other truck, but there is no one at the wheel.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 8, 2026

I could see that JimmyTrotter didn’t talk about his brother, mother, father, or grandmother or the accident caused by the oncoming trucker who had fallen asleep at the wheel while driving a tractor-trailer carrying lumber.

From "Gone Crazy in Alabama" by Rita Williams-Garcia