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 of backseat driver
First recorded in 1925–30
OTHER WORDS FROM backseat driver
backseat driving, nounWords nearby backseat driver
backs,
backsaw,
backscatter,
backscratcher,
backseat,
backseat driver,
backset,
backsheesh,
backshore,
backside,
backside-front
British Dictionary definitions for back-seat driver
back-seat driver
noun informal
a passenger in a car who offers unwanted advice to the driver
a person who offers advice on or tries to direct matters that are not his or her concern
Idioms and Phrases with back-seat 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.