steering-wheel

The driver turns the steering-wheel to follow the road.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A control device in a vehicle: "steering-wheel" refers to the wheel that a driver turns to control the direction of a vehicle, such as a car, truck, or boat. It is typically circular and located in front of the driver's seat.
   • A symbol of driving or control: In a broader sense, "steering-wheel" can represent the act of driving or being in charge of a vehicle's movement.

Usage Examples

• Noun:
  • He gripped the steering-wheel tightly as he drove through the storm. (He held the control wheel firmly while driving in bad weather.)
  • The car's steering-wheel is covered in leather for comfort. (The wheel that controls the car's direction has a leather covering.)
  • She turned the steering-wheel sharply to avoid the pothole. (She rotated the control wheel quickly to change the vehicle's path.)

Advanced Usage

• "at the steering-wheel": being in the driver's seat and actively controlling the vehicle.

  • My father was at the steering-wheel during the entire road trip. (He was driving the car for the whole journey.)

• "behind the steering-wheel": in the position of driving or controlling a vehicle.

  • After years of practice, she feels confident behind the steering-wheel. (She feels assured when driving.)

• "to take the steering-wheel": to begin driving or assume control of a vehicle.

  • Let me take the steering-wheel for a while; you look tired. (Allow me to drive instead.)

Variants and Related Words

• Steering (n): the mechanism or action of controlling a vehicle's direction.

  • The steering in this car is very responsive. (The system for directing the vehicle works well.)

• Wheel (n): a circular object that turns, often used in vehicles or machinery.

  • The wheel of the bicycle is flat. (The circular part of the bicycle is deflated.)

• Steering column (n): the shaft that connects the steering-wheel to the vehicle's steering mechanism.

  • The steering column was damaged in the accident. (The connecting rod was broken.)

Synonyms

• Tiller: a lever used to steer a boat, especially a small one.
• Helm: the wheel or tiller used to steer a ship.
• Handwheel: a wheel used to control a machine or valve, especially in industrial settings.

Related Idioms

• To be at the steering-wheel of something: to be in control of a project, organization, or situation.

  • She is at the steering-wheel of the new marketing campaign. (She is leading and managing the campaign.)

• To have a hand on the steering-wheel: to be actively involved in controlling or directing something.

  • He always has a hand on the steering-wheel during negotiations. (He stays in charge during discussions.)