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Region: General | Usage example: With the new contract, the company is in the driver's seat.

In the driver's seat

Meaning

In control of a situation.

Usage

Common in business, sports, and leadership talk.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

The driver controls the vehicle and its direction.

20th century usage rose as personal cars became common.

Related Idioms

In the catbird seat

In a very advantaged position.

By the seat of your pants

Doing something instinctively without a plan.

Flying by the seat of your pants

Acting on instinct without planning.

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.