Meaning & Origin
“In the driver’s seat” means being in control of a situation — able to steer choices and outcomes. The image comes from the literal role of a driver who directs a vehicle’s path, then broadened to leadership and decision‑making in business and daily life.
Pronunciation Guide
- driver’s — sounds like “DRY‑vers.”
- seat — long “ee,” as in “see.”
- Natural rhythm: in the DRIV‑er’s SEAT.
Usage & Sentence Examples
Use it when someone has authority or leverage.
- After the acquisition, the new CEO was clearly in the driver’s seat.
- Secure the funding first — then you’ll be in the driver’s seat with vendors.
- With our patents granted, we’re in the driver’s seat for negotiations.
- Once you build a waitlist, you’re in the driver’s seat on pricing.
- When demand is high and supply is tight, sellers are in the driver’s seat.
- Her expertise puts her in the driver’s seat on this project.
Synonyms
in control · at the helm · calling the shots · hold the reins · run the show · in charge
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