Ride shotgun: Learn what the means through example!

What does “Ride shotgun” mean?

"Ride shotgun" means to sit in the front passenger seat of a vehicle.

What context can I use the in?

Example

I always ride shotgun when we go on road trips.

Example

He let me ride shotgun on the way to the store.

Example

She called dibs on riding shotgun for the drive home

Is “Ride shotgun” an expression, an idiom, or a proverb?

“Ride shotgun” is a proverb. A proverb is a short saying that teaches us something important or gives us advice. Unlike an idiom, it’s easy to understand even if it uses figurative language.

How would I use “Ride shotgun” effectively in context?

You can use "Ride Shotgun" to express your desire or claim to sit in the front passenger seat of a vehicle. It is often used when traveling with friends or family. For example, if you want to sit in the front seat during a road trip, you could say, 'I call dibs on riding shotgun!'

• 1. Road Trips

  I always ride shotgun when we go on road trips.

• 2. Running Errands

  He let me ride shotgun on the way to the store.

• 3. Going Home

  She called dibs on riding shotgun for the drive home.

Similar phrases to “Ride shotgun”:

Call shotgun

To claim or express the desire to sit in the front passenger seat of a vehicle

Example

He quickly called shotgun before anyone else had a chance.

Take the front seat

To sit in the front passenger seat of a vehicle

Example

She always likes to take the front seat when we go for a drive.

Be the copilot

To sit in the front passenger seat and assist the driver

Example

He offered to be the copilot and help navigate during the road trip.

Good things to know:

Where does the phrase “Ride shotgun” come from?

The origin of the phrase "Ride Shotgun" can be traced back to the Wild West era in the United States. During stagecoach journeys, a guard armed with a shotgun would sit next to the driver to protect against potential attacks. Over time, the term 'riding shotgun' came to represent sitting in the front passenger seat of a vehicle.

Is “Ride shotgun” common in everyday conversation?

Yes, "Ride Shotgun" is a common idiom used in everyday conversation, especially among friends and family when deciding who gets to sit in the front passenger seat of a vehicle.

What tone does “Ride shotgun” have?

"Ride Shotgun" conveys a tone of playfulness and assertiveness. It is often used in a lighthearted manner to express one's desire or claim to the front seat.

Can “Ride shotgun” be used in informal and formal settings?

While "Ride Shotgun" is more commonly used in informal settings, it can also be used in casual or friendly formal situations. It is not typically used in very formal or professional contexts.

Can it be used by itself, or is it usually part of a sentence?

It is commonly used as part of a sentence to convey its full meaning. For example, 'I always ride shotgun when we go on road trips.' However, in informal conversations, people might understand the phrase even if used alone, like saying 'I call shotgun!' to express the desire to sit in the front seat.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Synonyms

• call dibs on the front seat
• claim the front passenger seat
• sit up front

Antonyms

• sit in the backseat
• take the rear seat
• be a backseat passenger