Page 14 - Conversation 3

(7) Take the wheel

Introduction

This expression is all about being in control. Learn about it here

https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2024/ep-240729

Transcript

Feifei

Hello, and welcome to The English We Speak, where we explain phrases used by fluent English
speakers so you can use them, too! I'm Feifei.

Georgie
And I'm Georgie. Feifei, tell me. How are you, and what is the phrase we're learning in this
programme?

Feifei
I'm well, thank you. The phrase we're learning in this programme is about taking control of a
situation. But, first of all, can you take the wheel for the introduction?

Georgie
Smooth introduction to the phrase we're looking at in this programme. And sure, I'll take the
wheel, and you can rest for a few seconds. We're learning 'take the wheel', which means take
control of a situation. It comes from the literal sense, when you take control of the steering wheel
of a car, or 'wheel' for short. So, imagine we're in a car - I'm driving, you're the passenger, and
there's an emergency. I might say to you, "quick - take the wheel!" and I'm asking you to put
your hands on the steering wheel, to take control of the car.

Feifei
Well, that sounds a little stressful! But the meaning we're looking at is more metaphorical, isn't
it? So, for example, my family is talking about going on holiday together, but no one is actually
organising it. So, I've decided to take the wheel to organise the holiday.

Georgie
That's a great example. Let's hear some more examples of 'take the wheel' in use.

Examples
When I worked as a teacher, I often had to cover classes of teachers that were suddenly sick. I
just had to take the wheel and teach without being able to prepare anything in advance.

There's this massive project at work. I just don't have any time to organise it. Can you take the
wheel on this one?