Ride shotgun
“Ride shotgun” is a fun and colorful idiom that originates from the Wild West era. When someone says they’re going to “ride shotgun,” it means they’re going to sit in the front passenger seat of a vehicle, next to the driver. The phrase itself has its roots in the days of stagecoaches, where a person would sit next to the driver with a shotgun to protect the passengers and cargo from potential threats or attacks. This person was known as the “shotgun messenger” or simply the “shotgun.” They would have a shotgun in hand to ward off any danger that might come their way.
Over time, the term “ride shotgun” has evolved to mean sitting in the front seat of a vehicle, usually next to the driver, with the intention of being a lookout or providing assistance if needed. It can also imply a sense of importance or authority, as the person sitting in that position is often seen as a trusted companion or protector. Today, the phrase is used more figuratively than literally. People might say, “I’ll ride shotgun!” when they want to claim the front seat or when they want to be actively involved in navigating or keeping an eye out for anything interesting or exciting along the journey.