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

See Examples For:

automatic pilot

“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 ● Jul. 21, 2024

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

From Los Angeles Times ● Mar. 8, 2022

Complacency and dependency on an automatic pilot seems to be a root cause of those accidents, too.

From New York Times ● Nov. 16, 2018

They probably weren’t thinking about it at all, which in a society in which automatic pilot just perpetuates the status quo, is a problem.

From Seattle Times ● Jan. 18, 2015

On automatic pilot I got dressed and let Tilly out.

From "Red Kayak" by Priscilla Cummings