backseat driver

noun

an automobile passenger who offers the driver unsolicited advice, warnings, criticism, etc., especially from the backseat.

any person who, by means of criticism, unsolicited advice, or the like, interferes in affairs that are not his or her concern or responsibility.

Origin

1925-30

Related forms

backseat driving, noun

Slang definitions & phrases for backseat driver

backseat driver

noun phrase

A person who gives unwanted and officious advice; kibitzer (1920s+)

Idioms and Phrases with backseat driver

backseat driver

A passenger who gives unwanted and/or unneeded directions to the driver; also, a person who interferes in affairs without having knowledge, responsibility, or authority for doing so. For example, Aunt Mary drives us all crazy with her instructions; she's an incurable backseat driver . This term originated in the United States in the 1920s, when it was first used for a passenger legitimately directing a chauffeur, and it was quickly transferred to figurative use. Also see the synonym Monday-morning quarterback and the antonym take a back seat