Good drivers know how to read the car.
read the car
idiomOf a rideshare driver, to assess the mood, energy, or preferences of a passenger immediately after they enter the vehicle.
Origin
disputed originBy analogy with read the room.
The driver quickly read the car and decided to turn off the radio when the passenger looked tired.
By observing the passenger's body language and silence, the driver read the car and realized that a quiet ride was preferred over small talk.
- 01
dictated but not read
Dictated, as to a secretary or stenographer, but not proofread by the person who dictated it.
- 02
dog that caught the car
A person who has unexpectedly attained an aspirational goal and is now unsure what to do with it.
- 03
have one's head read
To have one's mental health assessed, to receive a psychiatric examination.
- 04
jam jar
[Cockney slang]car
- 05
quick read
A book, periodical, or other printed matter that is enjoyable to read and can be read quickly.
- 06
read between the lines
To infer a meaning that is not stated explicitly.
- 07
read in
To allow access to classified information.
- 08
read lips
To lipread.