be at the wheel

1. Literally, to drive a vehicle (and thus sit at the steering wheel). Don't worry, Katie's at the wheel, and she is excellent at driving in the snow. I'm so excited to finally be at the wheel of my own car! Once your teens are at the wheel, you'll experience a new kind of fear, believe me.

2. To be in charge; to be or act as the leader (of something). Jack is at the wheel, so I know they'll get this project done on time! With the company's president making a series of brilliant decisions, it seems there's finally a firm hand at the wheel. The coach is only in his first season at the wheel, but he's shown a lot of potential.