Phrase guide

take the wheel

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To be in control of the steering wheel of a vehicle or a vessel.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Examples

  • Can you take the wheel for a minute while I take off my gloves?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To assume control of a situation.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: broadly, idiomatic

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

No etymology was provided for this word.

Across languages

Translations

5 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • Bulgarian: поемам волана (poemam volana) — to be in control of the steering wheel
  • Bulgarian: поема волана (poema volana) — to be in control of the steering wheel
  • Finnish: tarttua rattiin — to be in control of the steering wheel
  • French: prendre le volant — to be in control of the steering wheel
  • Russian: сесть за руль (sestʹ za rulʹ) — to be in control of the steering wheel