Car and Driving Idioms in English
America is a big country, with thousands of kilometers of roads connecting cities and states from coast to coast. As a result, cars have become a very important part of American culture.
This article will explore how this car culture influences language by looking at common English idioms about cars and driving. Buckle up!
English Car and Driving Idioms
Hit the road
Meaning: to leave
It's getting late; time to hit the road.
This phrase can also be used in the imperative form to rudely tell someone to go away.
I told the annoying salesman to hit the road.
Shift gears
Meaning: to change direction or focus
Our company has slowly shifted gears from the domestic market to international customers.
Road rage
Meaning: feelings of anger and aggression among drivers
Road rage is a serious problem that sometimes leads to violence, especially during rush hours.
Kick the tires
Meaning: test something before buying it
There's a short trial period when you can kick the tires before you buy.
Backseat driver
Meaning: a person without responsibility who offers unwanted advice
Stop being a backseat driver and let me choose the route!
The team is full of backseat drivers who won't let the leader do his job.
Want to practice using these idioms in a real conversation? Book a lesson on Engoo and try it in a chat with a friendly tutor!
Asleep at the wheel
Meaning: ignoring one's responsibilities
Here, "the wheel" refers to the steering wheel of a car. And you can't drive if you're asleep!
We can't be asleep at the wheel if we want to compete with our rivals.
In the driver’s seat
Meaning: in control
John is in the driver's seat until the boss returns.
Blow a gasket
Meaning: to become extremely angry
Gaskets are parts of engines that prevent fluids from leaking. So the idiom "blow a gasket" refers to strong emotions that suddenly come rushing out.
Fred blew a gasket when he saw his electricity bill for the month.
Related article: Flipping Out: 13 Ways to Express Anger in English
Buckle up
Meaning: to get ready
This casual idiom refers to fastening a seat belt for protection.
The show is about to begin, everyone. Buckle up!
Running on fumes
Meaning: tired, out of energy
"Running on fumes" refers to a car driving with a completely empty gas tank. But our bodies need fuel, too: food and rest. Without them, we don't have energy to do things.
My whole team has been running on fumes this month. We need a vacation!
Burnout
Meaning: completely exhausted
If you're running on fumes, you're still working even though you're tired. "Burnout," however, is the state in which you can't work anymore because of stress or tiredness.
This expression is mostly used for mental tiredness.
My doctor recommended that I take a vacation to avoid burnout.
Your mileage may vary
Meaning: "it depends on the person/situation"
"Mileage" is the number of miles a vehicle can travel or has traveled. We use this phrase to let people know that their experience may be different than what someone else has experienced.
The weather was great the last time I traveled there, but your mileage may vary.
This is often shortened to "YMMV" in text messages and online.
I thought the movie was just OK, but YMMV.
Wrap-up
Car idioms appear in both casual conversations and in business settings, so it's a good idea to learn them well. Book a lesson with an Engoo tutor and try using them yourself in a real English conversation!
