at the wheel

Prepositional phrase

idiomatic

(idiomatic) Driving; in control of a vehicle. / (idiomatic) In control of the situation; in charge.

Japanese Meaning

運転中、車の操作・制御をしている状態 / 状況や事態を自ら管理・指揮している状態

She fell asleep briefly while at the wheel, but luckily the car stayed in its lane.

彼女は運転中にうとうとしたが、幸い車は車線を維持していた。

Sense（1）

(idiomatic) Driving; in control of a vehicle.

It is a shame, his first day driving and he falls asleep at the wheel.

Sense（2）

(idiomatic) In control of the situation; in charge.