Question

In the Driver's Seat in control; in the position of authority

Accepted Answer

Now that Mr. Bender is retired from the company, his son is in the driver's seat. The person sitting in the driver's seat of a car is in charge of the driving. This American idiom from the 20th century, when cars became popular, can be extended from automobiles to any area of life. Whoever is in the driver's seat—the principal, the owner of the company, the President of the United States, and so on—is the person who "calls the shots" (see page 26). A related expression is "backseat driver" (see page 6).

Idiom	In the Driver's Seat
Example	Now that Mr. Bender is retired from the company, his son is in the driver's seat.
Meaning	in control; in the position of authority
Origin	The person sitting in the driver's seat of a car is in charge of the driving. This American idiom from the 20th century, when cars became popular, can be extended from automobiles to any area of life. Whoever is in the driver's seat—the principal, the owner of the company, the President of the United States, and so on—is the person who "calls the shots" (see page 26). A related expression is "backseat driver" (see page 6).

Driver's Seat Company Person Page Mr Bender Retired