PhrasesHub

In the box-seat

    Definitions

      • in a favorable position or situation
        to be in a position of advantage or control

      • in a position of safety or security
        to be in a secure or protected position

    Examples of In the box-seat

    • The CEO sat in the box-seat at the championship game, eagerly watching her team dominate the competition.

      This example uses the idiom "in the box-seat" to describe a privileged or advantageous position. The box-seat is a premium, front-row seat in a theater or stadium, usually located close to the stage or playing area. In this context, the CEO is occupying the best possible position to witness her company's success.

    • The investigator's sources kept her in the box-seat as she uncovered the evidence necessary for conviction.

      In this example, "in the box-seat" refers to being well-informed and privy to important details. The investigator's sources provide her with a front-row view of the events she is investigating, giving her a strategic advantage.

    • The politician campaigned tirelessly, but found himself relegated to the back of the bus as his rival swept into the box-seat.

      This example shows how "in the box-seat" can indicate a position of dominance over others. The politician's rival has seized the best possible position in the political arena, leaving the other candidate in a less advantageous position.

    • The team's star player got into foul trouble early in the game, leaving them in the box-seat until backup players could take up the slack.

      Here, "in the box-seat" is used figuratively to describe a position of weakness or disadvantage. The team's star player is benched due to a bad start, leaving them in a less-privileged position and relying on backup players to maintain their chances of success.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "in the box-seat" is used to describe being in a favorable or advantageous position, as well as being in a secure or protected position. It can be used to indicate someone's control over a situation or their safety and security in a particular circumstance.

    It is often used in a figurative sense to describe someone's position in a competition, negotiation, or any other situation where being in control or having an advantage is important. It can also be used to describe someone's physical location, such as being in a safe and secure place.

    Overall, the idiom "in the box-seat" is used to convey a sense of advantage or security in a given situation.

    Origin of "In the box-seat"

    The origin of the idiom "in the box-seat" is believed to come from the literal meaning of the phrase. In the early 20th century, a box-seat referred to the front seat of a carriage or a coach, which was considered the most advantageous and comfortable position for the passenger. This literal meaning evolved over time to represent a position of advantage or control in various situations.

    The idiom is commonly used in British English and has been in use for many decades. It has become a popular way to convey someone's advantageous position or their safety and security in a particular circumstance. Overall, the origin of the idiom "in the box-seat" is rooted in its literal meaning and has evolved to represent a figurative sense of advantage and security.