PhrasesHub

Riding shotgun

    Definitions

      • occupying the front passenger seat
        Claiming or being assigned the seat next to the driver in a vehicle

      • being in a position of power or authority
        Holding a position of influence or control within a group or organization

    Examples of Riding shotgun

    • Sarah insisted on riding shotgun during their road trip to ensure that she didn't miss out on any of the spectacular views they passed by.

      "Riding shotgun" is an idiom that refers to sitting in the front passenger seat of a vehicle, especially with the driver's permission. It originally referred to the person sitting next to the person holding a shotgun (a long-barrelled gun kept on horse-drawn carriages for self-defense) in a stagecoach or other vehicle. In this example, Sarah's insistence on riding shotgun allows her to enjoy the scenic route and take in the beautiful views during their road trip.

    • Before Jessica's driving test, her father demanded that she practice riding shotgun with him to improve her reactions and visibility on the road.

      This example shows how the idiom can be used in a learner's context to describe the importance of gaining passenger-side experience as part of the process of becoming a safe and responsible driver. By practicing riding shotgun, Jessica can familiarize herself with the passenger's perspective of the road and learn to anticipate potential hazards.

    • As soon as Megan spotted an empty parking spot near the mall entrance, she called out to her friend, "Jump in, I'll pull in and let you ride shotgun!"

      This example illustrates the idiom's use as a request for someone to join the driver in a shared vehicle. Megan's friend can take the front passenger seat, allowing Megan to park the car conveniently close to their destination with the help of her friend's directions.

    • When Claire's car broke down on the freeway during rush hour, she frantically searched for someone who could give her a lift to work, but all the other drivers refused to let her ride shotgun.

      This drama-filled example demonstrates the idiom's versatility in various contexts, including unexpected situations. Unfortunately, Claire encountered an unhelpful group of drivers who did not want to share their cars with a passenger during heavy traffic hours.

    • Sarah asked her boyfriend if she could ride shotgun on their road trip tonight.

      In this example, "riding shotgun" is being used as a phrasal verb to describe the act of sitting in the passenger seat of a car. Sarah is asking her boyfriend for permission to sit in the front passenger seat during their upcoming car ride. This is an everyday use of the idiom.

    • After giving Sarah a stern lecture about safe driving, the boyfriend agreed to let her ride shotgun.

      Here, "ride shotgun" is used to describe a specific role in a car journey, implying that Sarah has been granted a place of importance and authority by her boyfriend. This usage is figurative and represents Sarah's elevated status as a passenger in the car.

    • The police officer motioned for Jake to pull over to the side of the road and informed him that he was being pulled over for speeding. Jake's friend sitting in the shotgun seat rolled their eyes.

      In this example, "riding shotgun" is used to describe the front passenger's position in a car when the driver receives a police signal to stop. The friend's reaction to the traffic stop is a humorous interpretation of "rolling their eyes," which could be seen as a metaphorical response to the inconvenience of being pulled over while riding shotgun.

    • As they drove through a snowstorm, the driver struggled to see the road ahead. The passenger, who was riding shotgun, suggested they should pull over and wait for the storm to pass.

      Here, "riding shotgun" is being used to convey the passenger's role as a co-pilot, guiding the driver during a challenging driving situation. The passenger's suggestion to pull over demonstrates their awareness of the hazardous weather conditions, as well as their responsibility towards the driver and passengers' safety. This use of the idiom is figurative and represents the passenger's role as an aide and companion while riding in the front passenger seat.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "riding shotgun" can be used to refer to either occupying the front passenger seat in a vehicle or being in a position of power or authority. In the context of a vehicle, it signifies claiming or being assigned the seat next to the driver, while in a broader sense, it denotes holding a position of influence or control within a group or organization.

    Origin of "Riding shotgun"

    The origin of the idiom "riding shotgun" can be traced back to the American Old West during the 19th century. Stagecoaches would often be targeted by outlaws looking to rob the passengers and cargo. To protect against these attacks, a guard would sit next to the driver with a shotgun in hand, ready to defend the stagecoach. This practice led to the term "riding shotgun" being used to describe the act of protecting the stagecoach while sitting in the front passenger seat with a shotgun. Over time, the idiom evolved to also symbolize being in a position of power or authority, reflecting the sense of vigilance and protection associated with the original practice.