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backseat driver
1. A passenger in a vehicle (not necessarily in the backseat) who attempts to instruct the driver or criticize his or her driving skills. John quickly became annoyed at Mary's tendency to become a backseat driver whenever he drove her somewhere, so he just began to let her drive.
2. By extension, someone who tries to establish and maintain control over every situation. Primarily heard in US. Although Mary was capable of completing the project on her own, John couldn't stop himself from being a backseat driver and telling her what to do.
designated driver
A person who stays sober during a social gathering and is responsible for safely driving others from one location to another. Since Kara never drinks alcohol, she always offers to be the designated driver for her friends.
be in the driving seat
To be in control of a situation; to be in a position of power. Primarily heard in UK. Make sure to get good grades now, so that you're in the driving seat when it comes time to choose a college. We're still leading in the polls, so nobody panic—we're in the driving seat here.
backseat driver
Fig. an annoying passenger who tells the driver how to drive; someone who tells others how to do things. I don't need any backseat driver on this project. Stop pestering me with all your advice. Nobody likes a backseat driver!
in the driver's seat
Fig. in control; in charge of things. (As if one were driving and controlling the vehicle.) Now that Fred is in the driver's seat, there is a lot less criticism about how things are being done. Joan can't wait to get into the driver's seat and do what she can to turn things around.
Sunday driver
a slow and leisurely driver who appears to be sightseeing and enjoying the view, holding up traffic in the process. (Also a term of address.) I'm a Sunday driver, and I'm sorry. I just can't bear to go faster. Move over, you Sunday driver!
in the driver's seat
in control of a situation Huge consumer demand for electricity has put energy companies in the driver's seat.
Related vocabulary: in the saddlea backseat driver
1. a passenger in a car who continuously tells the driver how they should drive Mike's a real backseat driver and I find it so irritating.
2. (mainly American) someone who expects to control things although it is not their responsibility to do this Tell her you're in charge now. It's time she stopped being a backseat driver.
a designated driver
(American) one person in a group who agrees not to drink alcohol in order to drive the other people to and from a place where they will drink alcohol Tom said he'd be the designated driver when we go out tonight.
be in the driving seat
(British) also be in the driver's seat (American & Australian) to be in control of a situation The consumer is in the driving seat due to the huge range of goods on the market.
See fly by the seat of pantsbackseat driver
A passenger who gives unwanted and/or unneeded directions to the driver; also, a person who interferes in affairs without having knowledge, responsibility, or authority for doing so. For example,
Aunt Mary drives us all crazy with her instructions; she's an incurable backseat driver. This term originated in the United States in the 1920s, when it was first used for a passenger legitimately directing a chauffeur, and it was quickly transferred to figurative use. Also see the synonym
Monday-morning quarterback and the antonym
take a back seat.
in the driver's seat
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.
backseat driver
n. an annoying passenger who tells the driver how to drive; someone who tells others how to do things. I don’t need any backseat driver on this project.
in the driver’s seat
mod. in control. I’m in the driver’s seat now, and I get to decide who gets raises.
Sunday driver
n. a slow and leisurely driver who appears to be sightseeing and enjoying the view, holding up traffic in the process. (Also a term of address.) Move over, you Sunday driver!