call shotgun

call shotgun

To verbally claim the ability to ride in the front passenger seat of a car. An allusion to stage coaches in 19th-century America, which were often protected from outlaws by someone who sat wielding a shotgun next to the driver. Mom, don't let Jake ride up front—I called shotgun! A: "OK, let's get back on the road." B: "I call shotgun!"
See also: call, shotgun
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

call shotgun

phr. to call out and claim the seat beside the driver in an automobile. Bob called shotgun so he could sit next to the driver.
See also: call, shotgun
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • end game
  • exit
  • exit stage left
  • a security blanket
  • game is not worth the candle, the
  • strike out at (something or some place)
  • hit (something) out of the (ball)park
  • an end run
  • end run
  • the mark of Cain
References in periodicals archive
Looks like the rogue driver caught on camera last month driving a car from the passenger seat will have to call shotgun for the rest of his life.
As is usually the case with a car of this ilk, boot space is at a minimum, so you might find your golf clubs need to call shotgun and take the passenger seat.