Synonyms

in the driver's seat

Idioms

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.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

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

By then she may even be in the driver’s seat.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

With AI back in the driver’s seat, these pitfalls may come back into focus too.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

Win those two, and the Kings are back in the driver’s seat.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2026

Dad peered at the truck as if he could see Uncle Wood sitting in the driver’s seat.

From "As Brave As You" by Jason Reynolds

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023