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

The Cord feels remarkably modern in the driver’s seat.

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Tackling involution at its root, many economists argue, would require a fundamental restructuring of the economic system that puts consumer spending in the driver’s seat, rather than leaning on investments and manufacturing.

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And no less unfortunately, we’re speeding down it quickly with a maniac in the driver’s seat, and it lacks the guardrails of a law-abiding Supreme Court and a constitutionally aware secretary of defense.

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Democrats have historically been in the driver’s seat when it comes to health care.

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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.

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