ride shotgun

Idioms and Phrases

Guard someone or something while in transit, as in The reporter found himself in the odd position of riding shotgun for an accused mobster . This term alludes to the armed defender of a stagecoach who sat beside the driver to protect against marauders and bandits. Later it was transferred to anyone riding in the front passenger seat of a motor vehicle, as well as to the more general function of protection. [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

I hadn’t had the experience, so to have someone you can ride shotgun with was great.

From Seattle Times

As part of the gig she got to ride shotgun in an Indy car before the race, hitting speeds of 190 miles per hour.

From New York Times

I’m just so thankful that my dad is going to be around for a long time to ride shotgun.

From Los Angeles Times

People also have a deep and abiding respect for human nature; our vices ride shotgun.

From Washington Post

During summer vacations as a little boy, he’d ride shotgun with his father, who has driven a semi truck for nearly four decades at the ports, and they’d listen to Dodger baseball games together.

From New York Times