at the wheel

at the wheel

1. Literally, driving a vehicle (and thus sitting at the steering wheel). Don't worry, Katie's at the wheel, and she is very good at driving in the snow. I'm so excited to finally be at the wheel of my own car! Nothing makes me more nervous than envisioning my teen son at the wheel.

2. By extension, in charge; acting 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 they finally have a firm hand at the wheel. The coach has shown a lot of potential in his first season at the wheel.

See also: wheel

Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.

at (someone)

being argumentative or contentious with someone. She is always at him about something. I wish you weren't at me all the time over finances.

at

Fig. nothing small or unimportant. It's not a lot of money, but it's nothing to sneeze at. Our house isn't a mansion, but it's nothing to sneeze at. A few thousand dollars is nothing to be sneezed at!

at the wheel

 

1. operating the wheel that turns a ship's rudder; at the helm. The cabin boy was at the wheel with the captain close by.

2. operating the steering wheel of a car. Bobby was at the wheel when the car went off the road.

See also: wheel

McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.

at the wheel

In command, in control. For example, Ann hated being told what to do; she wanted to be at the wheel by herself. The analogy here is to the steering wheel of an automobile or other vehicle, or the helm of a vessel. For a synonym, see at the helm.

See also: wheel

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

at/behind the ˈwheel (of something)

driving a car: Who was at the wheel when the car crashed?

Wheel in this phrase refers to the steering wheel of a car.

See also: behind, wheel

Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017

at

/behind the wheel

1. Operating the steering mechanism of a vehicle; driving.

2. Directing or controlling; in charge.

at

/in one fell swoop

All at once.

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.