catbird seat

noun

, Informal.

1. an advantageous situation or condition:

   His appointment as acting dean put him in the catbird seat.

Word History and Origins

Origin of catbird seat¹

An Americanism dating back to 1940–45

Idioms and Phrases

A situation of advantage or superiority, as in His promotion put Charles in the catbird seat . This term is thought to allude to that noisy bird's habitual high perch. It was popularized in the 1940s by sportscaster Red Barber.

Example Sentences

A cynic might suggest that McConnell is sitting in the catbird seat now.

From Washington Post

“Putin's aim is to show that he is in the catbird seat, and there is nothing we can do about it,” this former officer said.

From The Daily Beast

You might have thought that with Borders shutting down, Barnes and Noble would be sitting in the catbird seat.

From The Daily Beast