At the wheel Meaning in English
expression
ˈæt/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈhwiɫ/, /ˈwiɫ
AT thuh WHEEL
ˈæt/ /ðə, ði/ /wˈiːl
AT thuh WEEL
Definition
If someone is at the wheel, they are driving a car or other vehicle. It can also be used figuratively to mean someone is in control of a situation.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly used for someone driving a vehicle, especially a car. As a metaphor, 'at the wheel' means being in charge or in control. Common in news, conversation, and writing. Not used for boats (use 'at the helm').
Spanish: al volantePortuguese (BR): ao volantePortuguese (PT): ao volanteChinese (Simplified): 在方向盘上 - 开车Chinese (Traditional): 在方向盤上 - 開車Hindi: स्टीयरिंग पर - ड्राइविंग करते हुएArabic: خلف المقودBengali: স্টিয়ারিংয়ে - গাড়ির চাকা হাতেRussian: за рулёмJapanese: ハンドルを握って - 運転してVietnamese: cầm lái - lái xeKorean: 운전대에 - 운전 중Turkish: direksiyondaUrdu: اسٹیئرنگ پر - گاڑی چلا رہا ہےIndonesian: di belakang kemudi
Example Sentences
My dad is at the wheel and driving us home.
basic
You should not use your phone at the wheel.
basic
She feels nervous at the wheel.
basic
After a long day, I’m too tired to be at the wheel.
natural
Who's at the wheel of this project? Things seem a bit out of control.
natural
I trust her judgment when she’s at the wheel.
natural