going along for the ride
Not actively participating
Going along for the ride means participating passively in an activity without taking initiative or responsibility.
Someone going along for the ride lets others make decisions and do the work: I don't really care where we eat—I'm just going along for the ride.
The phrase suggests pleasant detachment rather than reluctant compliance.
- tagalongUninvited companion
- free riderOne benefiting without contributing
- social loafingReduced exertion in groups
- observerOne who perceives events
- bystanderOne who observes nearby
groupthink · adventure · detachment · peer pressure · serendipity · passenger · ride shotgun · curiosity · nonparticipant · back seat · contentment · collective behavior · path of least resistance · relaxation · camaraderie · herd mentality · go with the flow · hanger-on
going along for the ridecalling the shots
Being the one deciding
taking the reins · taking charge · running the show · taking initiative · in the driver's seat
going along for the rideat the helm
Leading an organization
captaining · spearheading · masterminding · orchestrating · quarterbacking
going along for the rideall in
Fully committed, nothing reserved
going all out · stakeholder · true believer · boots on the ground · rolling up one's sleeves
going, along, longer, longest, length, lengthen, ridden, riders, override