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Region: US | Usage example: With the contract signed, she was in the catbird seat.

In the catbird seat

Meaning

In a very advantaged position.

Usage

Used when someone holds the upper hand.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Baseball broadcaster Red Barber coined it.

Used in American sports and business since the 1940s.

Related Idioms

By the seat of your pants

Doing something instinctively without a plan.

Flying by the seat of your pants

Acting on instinct without planning.

In the driver's seat

In control of a situation.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.