automatic pilot

noun

1. Aeronautics. Also called automatic, autopilot, gyropilot, robot. an airborne electronic control system that automatically maintains a preset heading and attitude.

automatic pilot

noun

1. Also calledautopilot a device that automatically maintains an aircraft on a preset course
2. on automatic pilot informal.
   acting without conscious thought because of tiredness, shock, or familiarity with the task being performed

Word History and Origins

Origin of automatic pilot¹

First recorded in 1915–20

Idioms and Phrases

Idioms

1. on automatic pilot, functioning in an unthinking or reflexive manner.

Example Sentences

“The sailboat crew were either unable to avoid collision” or they could have been down below with Theros on automatic pilot, an anonymous source told Saltwire.

From BBC

Jerome H. Powell, her successor as Fed chair, said it was so straightforward that it should be on “automatic pilot” and wouldn’t merit close scrutiny.

From New York Times

Claiming that there are no significant differences between the two parties is a form of super-ideological gaslighting on automatic pilot.

From Salon

Johnson argued that keeping spending on “automatic pilot” was threatening to make the programs go “bankrupt.”

From Washington Post

Instead of acting as our representatives and making tough decisions, legislators put taxation on automatic pilot.

From Washington Post