Page 15 - Conversation 3

I think I'll take the wheel on the decorations for the party, but could you organise the food?

Feifei
So, this phrase is quite flexible and can be used like any normal verb, so I can use it in the past,
for example, "I took the wheel", as a request "Can you take the wheel?" or "He's always taking
the wheel", and lots more. Is there anything else we can say about this phrase, Georgie?

Georgie
Well, it's interesting, actually, that a lot of expressions we use to talk about control and power are
related to driving, like this one, or even riding horses. Similar to 'take the wheel' we have 'take
the reins' – which are those things like straps attached to a horse's mouth that we use to control
them when riding them.

Feifei
Oh yes, and if someone is in full control of a situation, we can say that they're in the driving seat.
You're right, Georgie. I hadn't thought about that.

Now, let's recap. We've learned the expression 'take the wheel' which means to take control of a
situation and be the leader.

Georgie
Now that we've taught you this expression, it's your turn to take the wheel of your English
learning and practise using it!

Feifei
We'll be back next time with another useful English phrase. Bye bye!

Georgie
Bye.