at the wheel

Idioms

In command, in control. For example, Ann hated being told what to do; she wanted to be at the wheel by herself. The analogy here is to the steering wheel of an automobile or other vehicle, or the helm of a vessel. For a synonym, see at the helm.

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

She looked at the wheel as if it were a pile of mud all over her floor.

From Literature

After a minute of silence, I peeked and saw her staring at the wheel.

From Literature

I sat down at the wheel and took a few straws in my hand.

From Literature

Though surprised, the officer seated at the wheel de-escalated the situation and helped the young man find his family, the father wrote to Movius.

From Los Angeles Times

There is so much attention and expectation on Aston Martin, with Alonso at the wheel, design legend Adrian Newey at the helm since March, and Honda their new works engine partner.

From BBC

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023