Ride shotgun

Meaning

Sit beside the driver or take a trusted second-in-command role.

Usage

Used literally for car rides and figuratively for trusted deputies.

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.

Stagecoach guards once sat beside the driver with a shotgun for defense.

19th-century western travel gave the expression its imagery.