ride shotgun

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]

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

I talked to Latino Trump supporters throughout the fall, including many who admitted they once leaned liberal but felt abandoned by Democrats, prompting them to ride shotgun on the Trump Train.

From Los Angeles Times

Both are played by Hamill, who has unwisely asked the narrator to ride shotgun to the artist.

From New York Times

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

From Seattle Times

As part of the gig she got to ride shotgun in an Indy car before the race, hitting speeds of 190 miles per hour.

From New York Times