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be in the saddle

VERB
administer
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administrate carry out conduct direct execute govern oversee supervise
STRONG
boss control head render run superintend
WEAK
be in the driver's seat crack the whip head up hold the reins pull the strings pull the wires ride herd on run the show sit on top of
Antonyms
STRONGEST
leave neglect obey
STRONG
follow
WEAK
deny forego frustrate mismanage refuse withhold
VERB
call the shots
Synonyms
WEAK
be in control be in the driver's seat call the tune lay down the law make the decisions make the rules run the show wear the trousers
VERB
domineer
Synonyms
STRONG
bend bluster browbeat bulldoze bully dominate hector intimidate menace overbear predominate preponderate prevail reign rule swagger threaten tyrannize
WEAK
boss around call the shots henpeck in the driver's seat keep under thumb kick around lead by the nose push the buttons rule the roost run the show run things throw weight around
Antonyms
STRONG
assist help leave alone serve submit surrender
WEAK
follow yield
VERB
supervise
Synonyms
STRONGEST
administer conduct deal with direct handle inspect look after oversee take care of
STRONG
boss chaperon control overlook quarterback run superintend survey
WEAK
be in charge be in driver's seat be on duty be responsible for call the play call the shots crack the whip keep an eye on preside over ride herd on run the show run things sit on top of
Antonyms
STRONGEST
mismanage neglect
STRONG
follow serve

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But it's a brutal sport, which requires its very best to be in the saddle for several hours almost every day of their lives.

From BBC • Jan. 7, 2026

He has since calmed down and John Velazquez will be in the saddle Saturday to lend an experienced hand.

From Seattle Times • May 5, 2017

Bradley Wiggins will be in the saddle for Team Sky in Denmark only two weeks after his Olympic gold medal triumph.

From The Guardian • Aug. 13, 2012

Jockey Calvin Borel, who rode Super Saver to a 2-1/2-length victory in the Derby two weeks ago, will again be in the saddle for Saturday's race at Pimlico Race Course.

From Reuters • May 13, 2010

A few more seconds and he would be in the saddle!

From "Chasing Lincoln's Killer" by James L. Swanson

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