back-seat driver

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See also: backseat driver

English

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Alternative forms

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Noun

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back-seat driver (plural back-seat drivers)

  1. (dated) An occupant of a large vehicle, such as a firetruck, who helps steer the vehicle from far in the back.
    • 1914, Daily Kennebec Journal, Augusta, Maine, USA:
      When New York pitcher Vernon Gomez retires as a smokeballer he wants to become a smoke eater. Here he gets a tryout as a back-seat driver on a hook and ladder truck at St. Petersburg []
  2. A person sitting (typically) in the back seat of a car issuing (unsolicited and usually unwanted) instructions to the driver.
  3. (figuratively) An opinionated person who offers (unsolicited and often unwanted) advice on the best way to handle a situation.

Usage notes

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  • The figurative definition is far more common.
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Translations

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See also

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