in the driver's seat

Idioms  

1. Also, in the saddle. In control, in a position of authority. For example, With the boss on vacation, Mr. Burns was in the driver's seat and enjoying it, or She waited until after the election, knowing that she'd be in the saddle then. The first expression dates from the 1800s, the second from the early 1600s. Also see at the helm.

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

in the driver's seat

That’s a sign bond yields are now in the driver’s seat.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 25, 2026

I hastened my step to my car, not dawdling for a second to check messages once planted in the driver’s seat.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jul. 24, 2026

Steering the conversation with the right questions keeps us in the driver’s seat and seeing around corners.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jun. 11, 2026

Her rationale is that it puts brands back in the driver’s seat.

From Barron's ● May 12, 2026

As I do, the front door swings open, and the light from inside the van lets me see the man in the driver’s seat.

From "The Wrong Way Home" by Kate O’Shaughnessy