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.

“This structure ensures parents stay in the driver’s seat during the learning years, while giving kids real, hands-on experience that prepares them for financial independence,” Jennifer Seitz, Greenlight’s director of education, told MarketWatch.

From MarketWatch • Mar. 26, 2026

Stick shifts are also slower than their auto-shifted counterparts from 0-60 mph—due to the fleshy, fallible widgets sitting in the driver’s seat.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 6, 2026

Despite his glamorous brush with fame, Ellis has not given up the day job, he is still in the driver's seat on a London Underground train.

From BBC • Jan. 18, 2026

Tech will still be in the driver’s seat in terms of both earnings and performance, according to Wei Li, the BlackRock Investment Institute’s chief investment strategist.

From Barron's • Jan. 13, 2026

I got in the driver’s seat, secured the door, and drove away, waving good-bye.

From "Breaking Through" by Francisco Jiménez

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