automatic pilot

American  

noun

1. Also called automatic, autopilot, gyropilot, robot.  Aeronautics. an airborne electronic control system that automatically maintains a preset heading and attitude.

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idioms

1. on automatic pilot, functioning in an unthinking or reflexive manner.

automatic pilot British  

noun

1. Also called: autopilot.  a device that automatically maintains an aircraft on a preset course

2. informal acting without conscious thought because of tiredness, shock, or familiarity with the task being performed

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Etymology

Origin of automatic pilot

First recorded in 1915–20

Example Sentences

“Democracy doesn’t live on automatic pilot. You don’t take a DNA test to see if you believe in freedom,” he added.

From Salon

“The sailboat crew were either unable to avoid collision” or they could have been down below with Theros on automatic pilot, an anonymous source told Saltwire.

From BBC

Jerome H. Powell, her successor as Fed chair, said it was so straightforward that it should be on “automatic pilot” and wouldn’t merit close scrutiny.

From New York Times

Johnson argued that keeping spending on “automatic pilot” was threatening to make the programs go “bankrupt.”

From Washington Post

I’ve never gone to work in these last six years on automatic pilot.

From Los Angeles Times