backseats

Behind the driver

Backseats is the plural of backseat—the rear seating area in a vehicle, behind the driver and front passenger.

Children and less important passengers typically sit in the backseat, which gives rise to figurative uses: to take a backseat is to assume a subordinate role, and a backseat driver offers unwanted advice from a position of lesser responsibility.

comfort

cushion

Stuffed fabric for comfort

upholsteryFurniture's textile layer
legroomSpace below a seat
headrestPadded seat extension for neck

armrest · leather · fabric · bench · bucket · heated · ventilated · spacious · adjustable · lumbar

privacy

tinted

Given subtle coloration

curtainsHanging fabric window covers
secludedSet apart, private
intimateClosely personal or private

concealed · enclosed · shielded · partitioned · chauffeur · limousine · discretion · canoodling · makeout · hidden

secondary

sidelined

Removed from participation

subordinateOne lower in rank
passengerTraveler, not operator
deferredSet aside until later

yielding · observing · advisory · non-driving · spectator · navigator · commentator · criticism · unsolicited advice

storage

cargo

Transported goods

luggageTraveler's packed containers
groceriesFood bought at stores
clutterUntidy collection of items

folding · booster · anchors · LATCH · cramped · overflow · pet carrier

Opposites

vehicle seating position

backseatsdriver's seat

Vehicle operator's position

front seat · shotgun · passenger seat · cockpit · front row

PROMINENCE/PRIORITY (metaphorical)

backseatsdriver's seat

Vehicle operator's position

front seat · forefront · front and center · center stage · spotlight

Phrases

backseat driverPassenger offering unsolicited advice
backseat drivingUnsolicited advice to driver

Family

backseat

Familiarity: Top 50,000
Profile: Known to kids · Used worldwide · Timeless · Concrete · Everyday, not technical · Rated G