Who would like to explain something about the phrase "riding shotgun" As an English learner, "riding shotgun" confuses me a lot. In the below sentence, it means "sitting beside"? But what is the backg

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Lawrence

Community Tutor

Who would like to explain something about the phrase "riding shotgun" As an English learner, "riding shotgun" confuses me a lot. In the below sentence, it means "sitting beside"? But what is the background of "riding shotgun". Does this phrase also means to protect the driver? We took turns riding shotgun with her in the car.

Jul 1, 2017 5:55 AM

Answers · 5

In American slang it usually refers to riding (as a passenger) in the front seat. More info: http://idioms.thefreedictionary.com/ride+shotgun

July 1, 2017

Thank you, Peachey.

July 1, 2017

Hi Lawrence, I liked Phil's succinct answer, so I'll add my comment here: As an idiom, "riding shotgun" simply means "sitting in the front passenger seat." The reference to guarding or protecting the driver (ie. by having a shotgun in your hands) is historical, and does not have that meaning in modern English.

July 1, 2017

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