Backseat Driver Meaning

meaning of idiom backseat driver

An expression in use since at least the 1920’s.

Meaning of Idiom ‘Backseat Driver Idiom’

A backseat driver is a person who insists on telling the driver what to do, how to drive, what roads to take, etc., regardless if the driver wants the advice or not. This expression refers to said person being annoying.

The expression is used while driving, but it can generally refer to anyone who criticizes, gives unwanted advice, or lectures another person who is doing something.

When the idiom is used while driving, anyone can be a backseat driver, even from the front passenger seat. Back seat driver does not have to refer to someone sitting in the back seat.

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Sentence Examples

“I hate to be a backseat driver but your driving makes me really nervous!”

“You should test the valve before you install it,” said Neal. “Don’t be a backseat driver, Neal,” said Rick.

“I know exactly where I’m going; stop being a backseat driver!”

“I don’t mean to be a backseat driver, but isn’t that a dead end?” “There’s no such thing as a dead end.”— xXx: State of the Union (2005)

“No, stop here! Stop!” “I’m stopping, backseat driver!” — Ace Ventura: Pet Detective Jr. (2009)

“Driving a bus is exactly the same as driving a car, except for the fifty or so backseat drivers sitting behind you.”— On a Clear Day (2005)

“Hey, you’re going too fast.” “Hey, backseat driver, zip it.”— The Wraith Within (2023)

“I think we were supposed to turn there.” “You know, I’d tell you to stop being such a backseat driver, but how can you be one when you don’t even know how to drive?” — Gossip Girl: The Townie (2010)

“You’re driving like a maniac.” “When did you become the backseat driver from hell?”— Three Birds and a Baby (2002)

“Sorry, which way are we going? Cos I live back that way.” “We’re heading to the docks. It’ll only take a couple of hours.” “Right, don’t mean to be a backseat driver or nothing, but that is a bit of a long way round.” — Plebs: Saturnalia (2013)

“I don’t mean to be a backseat driver, but we kind of need to put the pedal to the metal.” — Highway to Hell (2002)

“Now, Eeeyore,” said Pooh, “I know I’m a bear of very little brain, but nobody likes a backseat driver.

Origin

The reason for this expression is easy to analyze. It refers figuratively to someone who is trying to “drive” a car by use of oral instruction, even though they don’t have hands on the steering wheel. The expansion of the expression beyond driving uses driver as a metaphor for person in control. Originating in the 1920’s, it may have come from people directing chauffeurs from the back seat of vehicles.