ride shotgun

Idioms  

1. Guard someone or something while in transit, as in The reporter found himself in the odd position of riding shotgun for an accused mobster. This term alludes to the armed defender of a stagecoach who sat beside the driver to protect against marauders and bandits. Later it was transferred to anyone riding in the front passenger seat of a motor vehicle, as well as to the more general function of protection. [Mid-1900s]

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Example Sentences

I hadn’t had the experience, so to have someone you can ride shotgun with was great.

From Seattle Times • Sep. 13, 2023

I’m just so thankful that my dad is going to be around for a long time to ride shotgun.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 29, 2023

Look, if Elon Musk invited me to ride shotgun with him, of course I would.

From New York Times • Feb. 5, 2022

Manufacturer partnerships like with Jaguar Land Rover present an opportunity for Amazon to get Alexa to ride shotgun in a big way.

From The Verge • Feb. 4, 2022

Then he wouldn’t have to ride shotgun anymore.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz