at the wheel
Operating the vehicle
At the wheel means in control of a vehicle, literally seated where the steering wheel is: She fell asleep at the wheel.
The phrase extends to any position of control or leadership: With a new CEO at the wheel, the company changed direction.
Someone asleep at the wheel is failing to pay attention when they should be in charge.
- brakeDevice to slow motion
- turnRotational movement
- steeringControlling direction of movement
- controlAuthority to direct
- handsGripping limbs' extremities
grip · white knuckle · helm · dashboard · command · skipper · oversight · rudder · accelerator · accountability · captain · swerve · initiative · decision-making · motorist · driver's seat · guidance · steering committee
at the wheelpassenger
Traveler, not operator
backseat · along for the ride · chauffeured · hands off · in tow
at the wheelriding shotgun
Occupying the front passenger seat
cargo · hitchhiking · pedestrian · on foot
at the wheelpassenger
Traveler, not operator
riding shotgun · backseat driver · along for the ride · hitchhiking · in tow
wheel, the, wheels, wheelbarrow, wheeled, wheeling, steering wheel, helmsman, wheelbarrows