ride shotgun

Related to ride shotgun: Call Shotgun

ride shotgun

To ride in the front passenger seat of a car. An allusion to stage coaches in the 19th-century US, which were often protected from outlaws by someone who sat wielding a shotgun next to the driver. Mom, Jake got to ride shotgun this morning—it's my turn! OK, let's get back on the road. Who wants to ride shotgun?
See also: ride, shotgun
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

ride shotgun

Guard someone or something while in transit, as in The reporter found himself in the odd position of riding shotgun for an accused mobster. This term alludes to the armed defender of a stagecoach who sat beside the driver to protect against marauders and bandits. Later it was transferred to anyone riding in the front passenger seat of a motor vehicle, as well as to the more general function of protection. [Mid-1900s]
See also: ride, shotgun
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

ride shotgun

If someone rides shotgun, they sit in the front of a vehicle, next to the driver. I was riding shotgun on a night patrol when a boy darted out from an alley and ran towards the truck. Note: This expression comes from times in the past when a man with a shotgun sat next to the driver of a coach and horses for protection.
See also: ride, shotgun
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

ride shotgun

1 travel as a guard in the seat next to the driver of a vehicle. 2 ride in the passenger seat of a vehicle. 3 act as a protector. chiefly North American
See also: ride, shotgun
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

ride ˈshotgun

(American English, informal) ride in the front passenger seat of a car or truck: My turn to ride shotgun today!Originally, this referred to an armed guard who travelled in the seat next to the driver.
See also: ride, shotgun
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

ride shotgun

1. tv. to accompany and guard someone or something. (see also shotgun.) I have to take the beer over to the party. Why don’t you come along and ride shotgun?
2. tv. to ride in the passenger seat of a car, next to the driver. I want to ride shotgun so I don’t have to sit back there with those guys.
See also: ride, shotgun
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions

ride shotgun

1. To guard a person or thing while in transit.
2. Slang To ride in the front passenger seat of a car or truck.
See also: ride, shotgun

ride shotgun

To sit in the front passenger seat of a vehicle during a trip.
See also: ride, shotgun
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • call shotgun
  • end game
  • Earth to (someone)
  • earth to someone
  • get in/into one's hair, to
  • fight (someone or something) hammer and tongs
  • fight hammer and tongs
  • haf
  • exit
  • exit stage left
References in periodicals archive
ENGINEERS are being paid to ride shotgun on brand-new trains because they break down.
New engines drive 'em loco
DAVID Coulthard will be ordered to ride shotgun for team-mate Mika Hakkinen in the season's last two Grands Prix - to stop Eddie Irvine winning the title.
Motor racing: Coul aid for Mika
Ideally, he would like a midfield enforcer to ride shotgun alongside skipper Steven Gerrard and provide the leadership sorely lacking of late.
KENNY'S CALLING FOR KOP CASH; EXCLUSIVE
Mr Turner added that although they had been in the vicinity to "ride shotgun" for their boss's son, who was a DJ, the Crown suggested "they may have found that sort of baby-sitting boring and wanted more action."
Attack victim was stabbed to death by gang
LUTON TOWN'S shooting star Liam George is dreaming of the chance to ride shotgun to Robbie Keane once again.
Football: LITTLE GEM LIAM CAN HIT BIG TIME!; But he must play weighting game Says BRIAN KERR
But the Ulsterman knows he could have no one better to ride shotgun in a fierce scrap for track positions.
Title destiny lies in lap of Schumacher; FORMULA ONE
POLICE officers are set to "ride shotgun" on Stagecoach buses serving Nuneaton and Bedworth in an effort to clamp down on nuisance youths and antisocial behaviour.
Bobbies to go by bus
POLICE officers are to ride shotgun on Stagecoach buses serving Nuneaton and Bedworth to clamp down on nuisance youths and antisocial behaviour.
BOBBES ON BUSES; CRIME: Uniformed officers to 'ride shotgun' in crackdown on nuisance passengers
It is really too late now for his championship hopes but if his luck changes then he will be able to ride shotgun for Alonso for the rest of the season.
Gary Anderson: Renault can only throw it all away
High visibility patrols and undercover officers took to bus to "ride shotgun" on known problem routes.
POLICE STEP UP DRIVE TO BEAT THE BUS YOBS; Pledge to town's drivers
Rugby police are sending out community support officer Leanne Norris to "ride shotgun" with the county's mobile library service across rural areas.
Is a copper about? Take it as read! County PC joins library service
Should Glenn Hoddle select 18-year-old Michael Owen to ride shotgun alongside deadly marksman Alan Shearer?
FERGUSON'S OWEN GOAL
Jones - who scored a stunning debut goal after 55 minutes to earn a vital away point - can ride shotgun while Nigel Quashie develops into a player of international quality.
VINNIE SHOWS THE WAY