behind the wheel — driving a vehicle; in control of a car
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: driving a vehicle; in control of a car
Pronunciation (IPA): /bɪˈhaɪnd ðə wiːl/
Example Sentences
- My grandmother is 85 and still confident behind the wheel, but she refuses to use GPS because 'roads don't move!'
- After three cups of coffee, Jake was definitely alert behind the wheel, though he had to stop every 30 minutes.
- The new CEO has been behind the wheel for six months and already transformed the company culture.
behind the wheel
NOUN[/bɪˈhaɪnd ðə wiːl/]
driving a vehicle; in control of a car
Dad grips the wheel nervously while teaching his daughter what it feels like behind the wheel.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
This phrase emerged in the early 20th century with the rise of automobile mass production. It derives from the literal physical position of a driver seated behind the steering wheel in the driver's seat, which became metaphorically extended to mean 'in control' or 'driving'.
Breakdown
behind (at the back of) + the wheel (steering wheel, metonymically representing vehicle control). The phrase combines a preposition of position with a noun referring to the driver's steering apparatus.
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandmother is 85 and still confident behind the wheel, but she refuses to use GPS because 'roads don't move!'”
“After three cups of coffee, Jake was definitely alert behind the wheel, though he had to stop every 30 minutes.”
“The new CEO has been behind the wheel for six months and already transformed the company culture.”
“She's been behind the wheel of this project since day one and knows every detail.”
📚Related Words
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