Improve your speaking skills with instant feedback 🤖 Practice English with AI
English Idioms about "Transportation"

Backseat driver

English Idiom

Meaning: A person who gives unsolicited advice or directions, often in situations where they are not needed or wanted, much like a passenger in a car who tries to control the driver.
Origin: The phrase 'backseat driver' originated in the early 20th century when automobiles became more common. Passengers, often sitting in the back seat, would give unwanted advice to the driver, mirroring the way some people tend to offer unsolicited guidance in other aspects of life.
Young man driving car with older instructor giving advice in urban setting during sunset
OpenAI's DALL-E generated image

Examples

  • Despite never having managed a project before, Janet acted like a backseat driver during the entire meeting.
  • John couldn't enjoy his road trip because his friend kept playing the backseat driver, criticizing every turn he made.
  • Even though he was new to the team, he quickly became the backseat driver, offering opinions on every decision.
  • Sarah was frustrated with her mother, who turned into a backseat driver every time she tried to cook a new recipe.
  • Tom's constant backseat driving during the presentation annoyed his colleagues, who preferred to work independently.
  • During the renovation, Peter's neighbor became a backseat driver, commenting on every choice he made.
  • She hated being called a backseat driver, but she couldn't stop herself from giving advice during the group project.
  • The new intern quickly gained a reputation as a backseat driver, always suggesting changes without understanding the full picture.
  • Whenever the coach gave instructions, one parent would become a backseat driver, undermining his authority.
  • At the family gathering, Uncle Joe couldn't help but be a backseat driver, offering parenting tips to everyone with kids.