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Idiom

ride shotgun

idiom (verb phrase) B2
UK /ˌɹaɪd ˈʃɒtɡʌn/
US /ˌɹaɪd ˈʃɑtɡʌn/

Meanings

idiom (verb phrase)

To sit in the front passenger seat next to the driver.

Visual cue for ride shotgun — meaning 1
idiom (verb phrase)

To accompany and support someone closely while they do something, as a helper or protector.

Visual cue for ride shotgun — meaning 2

Definition

To sit in the front passenger seat of a vehicle, especially next to the driver.

To ride shotgun means to sit in the front passenger seat of a car or other vehicle. It often suggests you are accompanying the driver, sometimes helping by watching the road or navigating. The phrase is common in casual conversation when people decide who gets the front seat.

Examples

  • I called dibs to ride shotgun on the road trip.
  • Can you ride shotgun and help me watch for the exit?
  • Jess rode shotgun while I drove through the storm.
  • He always wants to ride shotgun when we go out for coffee.