in the driver's seat

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.

Example Sentences

In the new footage, Lil Nas X recites some Nicki Minaj lyrics from the Kanye West tune “Monster” as he struts runway-style toward the person shooting the video, who appears to be in the driver’s seat of a car.

From Los Angeles Times

They believe they are in the driver’s seat, and they want to be in control of their futures.

From Slate

Instead, according to police, Flores continued to sit in the driver’s seat and then raised the replica rifle, prompting three officers to open fire.

From Los Angeles Times

"Young girls and women shouldn't feel alone with pain in the driver's seat of their lives," she wrote in an Instagram post to her 5.7 million followers.

From BBC

Rodriguez was in the driver’s seat and a woman was in the front passenger seat.

From Los Angeles Times