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

He was very much a soldier for truth and I would ride shotgun and make these videos about the underground, unknown histories of Tulsa.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 21, 2025

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

From Seattle Times • Sep. 13, 2023

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

If I’ve been allowed to ride shotgun on a magnificent cross-country drive and the car breaks down in Reno?

From New York Times • Jan. 11, 2021

Then he wouldn’t have to ride shotgun anymore.

From "Two Degrees" by Alan Gratz