Seat Idioms (With Meaning and Examples)

Welcome to our post about seat idioms! Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say. They’re a fun way to express ideas. We’ll explore some common seat idioms, what they mean, and how to use them in sentences.

Seat Idioms

Here are 20 seat idioms in English with meaning and example sentence for each.

Take a back seat

Meaning: Not be in a leading position.
Example: I decided to take a back seat and let others lead.

In the driver’s seat

Meaning: In control of a situation.
Example: She was clearly in the driver’s seat during the meeting.

On the edge of one’s seat

Meaning: Very excited and giving full attention.
Example: The movie had us all on the edge of our seats.

Fly by the seat of one’s pants

Meaning: Do something by instinct without a plan.
Example: He usually flies by the seat of his pants during presentations.

Seat of power

Meaning: A place where important decisions are made.
Example: The boardroom is the seat of power in our company.

Seat of the pants

Meaning: Guided by instinct, not plan.
Example: We planned our trip by the seat of our pants.

Take your seat

Meaning: Sit down in your designated place.
Example: Please take your seat; the show is about to start.

Have a seat

Meaning: An invitation to sit down.
Example: Have a seat and make yourself comfortable.

Seat-warmer

Meaning: Someone who fills a position temporarily.
Example: He was just a seat-warmer until the new manager arrived.

Backseat driver

Meaning: A person who gives unwanted advice.
Example: I hate being a backseat driver, but you missed the turn.

Fill someone’s shoes

Meaning: To replace someone and fulfill their role.
Example: It’s tough to fill his shoes as the team’s captain.

Reserved seat

Meaning: A place kept especially for someone.
Example: She had a reserved seat at the theater.

Hot seat

Meaning: Position of intense scrutiny or pressure.
Example: He’s been in the hot seat since the scandal broke.

Pull up a chair

Meaning: Join a gathering or meeting by sitting.
Example: Come, pull up a chair and join our discussion.

Catbird seat

Meaning: A favorable or advantageous position.
Example: From this catbird seat, we control the negotiations.

Front row seat

Meaning: A position close to an important event.
Example: We had front row seats to the concert.

By the seat of your pants

Meaning: Manage something by instinct.
Example: I passed the test by the seat of my pants.

Seats are filled

Meaning: All available places are taken.
Example: Sorry, the class is popular and seats are filled.

Musical chairs

Meaning: A situation where positions are often changed.
Example: Management here is like musical chairs.

Empty seat

Meaning: A place that is unoccupied.
Example: The empty seat at the table was hers.

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