wheelman

A wheelman races through the city park on his bicycle.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • A driver of a vehicle, especially one involved in criminal activities: "wheelman" refers to the person who drives a getaway car or a vehicle used in a heist or illegal operation.
   • A cyclist: In historical or less common usage, "wheelman" can mean a person who rides a bicycle.

Usage Examples

• Driver in criminal context:

  • The police arrested the wheelman who drove the getaway car after the bank robbery. (The person who drove the escape vehicle.)
  • He was hired as the wheelman for the heist because of his skill in evading pursuit. (The driver responsible for escaping.)

• Cyclist (archaic or regional):

  • The wheelman pedaled swiftly through the countryside. (A person riding a bicycle.)

Advanced Usage

• "to act as wheelman": to serve as the driver in a criminal operation.

  • She agreed to act as wheelman for the smuggling operation. (She would drive the vehicle used in the illegal transport.)

• "wheelman's role": the specific duties of the driver in a crime.

  • The wheelman's role is crucial for a successful escape. (The driver's job is essential.)

Variants and Related Words

• Wheel (n): a circular object that turns on an axle, used for movement.

  • The car's wheel was damaged in the accident. (The round part that rotates.)

• Wheelwoman (n): a female driver, especially in a criminal context.

  • The wheelwoman navigated the narrow streets to avoid the police. (A woman driving a getaway vehicle.)

Synonyms

• Driver: a person who operates a vehicle.
• Chauffeur: a person employed to drive a private or luxury vehicle.
• Getaway driver: specifically the driver in a criminal escape.

Phrasal Verbs

• Wheel around: to turn or change direction quickly.

  • The wheelman wheeled around the corner to lose the pursuing car. (Turned sharply.)

• Wheel in: to bring or drive something into a location.

  • He wheeled the stolen car into the garage. (Drove it inside.)

Related Idioms

• At the wheel: in control of a vehicle or situation.

  • The wheelman was at the wheel when the police arrived. (Driving the vehicle.)

• Put someone in the driver's seat: to give someone control.

  • The gang put their best wheelman in the driver's seat for the job. (Gave him the responsibility of driving.)