sitting shotgun

The phrase "sitting shotgun" refers to the act of occupying the front passenger seat of a vehicle, which is usually located next to the driver. It comes from the practice of having a person sit next to the driver in a horse-drawn carriage, holding a shotgun to protect against potential threats during a journey. In modern usage, "sitting shotgun" means being the person who gets to sit in the front seat of a car, often due to preference or a predetermined arrangement. It is commonly used among friends, family, or groups when going on a trip or traveling together.