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

Tesla rolled out its self-driving taxi service in Austin in June, though robotaxis in both locations have a person in the driver’s seat for safety.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s also partially based in a fantasy in which someone old enough to have seen the 1966 epic “Grand Prix” in theaters would be allowed to sit in the driver’s seat of a modern F1 team.

From Los Angeles Times

While the AI trade found itself back in the driver’s seat, Monday’s rally was notably broad.

From MarketWatch

While the AI trade found itself back in the driver’s seat, Monday’s rally was notably broad.

From MarketWatch

Over the long term, stocks tend to trade on fundamentals, but over a period of weeks or months, sentiment often sits in the driver’s seat, Singh added.

From MarketWatch