along for the ride

Idioms and Phrases

Participating but not actively, as in Don't ask me how long this job will take; I'm just along for the ride . This metaphoric term often is preceded by just to emphasize the passive role of the “passenger.” [Mid-1900s]

Example Sentences

By early 2024, Trump was once again consolidating power on the campaign trail, and the Nelk Boys were very much along for the ride, helping to repackage the candidate's alleged cognitive decline and vile racism as epic own-the-libs machismo to hordes of credulous Happy Dad customers.

From Salon

If the oil is used in fuel or other materials, the diketone molecules go along for the ride, which is a problem.

From Science Daily

“Now is an exciting time to welcome everyone in Los Angeles along for the ride,” Tekedra Mawakana, co-chief executive of Waymo, said in an announcement.

From Los Angeles Times

Her husband, Dean, the couple’s 3-year-old son, Ciro, and the family’s German shepherd, Uma Furman, came along for the ride.

From Los Angeles Times

Ohtani wasn’t just along for the ride.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• deadpan
• dispassionate
• emotionless
• impassive
• laid-back
• reticent