Wheelhouse: meaning, definitions and examples
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wheelhouse
[ ˈwēlˌhau̇s ]
maritime term
A wheelhouse is a part of a ship or boat where the steering wheel and navigation instruments are located. It often serves as a command center for the captain during navigation.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The captain stood in the wheelhouse, ensuring the ship stayed on course.
- During the storm, the crew worked diligently in the wheelhouse.
- We watched the sunset from the wheelhouse of the yacht.
figurative meaning
In a figurative sense, a wheelhouse refers to a person's area of expertise or comfort zone. It indicates tasks or roles where someone excels or feels most capable.
Synonyms
area of expertise, comfort zone, specialty.
Examples of usage
- Teaching is her wheelhouse, and she thrives when delivering lectures.
- Marketing strategies are within his wheelhouse.
- The project was truly in her wheelhouse, given her extensive experience.
Etymology
The term 'wheelhouse' originates from the combination of 'wheel', referring to the steering wheel used in maritime navigation, and 'house', indicating a shelter or enclosed space. The nautical meaning dates back to the late 19th century when boats and ships began to adopt more sophisticated navigation techniques. The usage expanded into more abstract and figurative contexts, particularly in the 20th century, to denote an area of expertise, suggesting that just as a wheelhouse keeps the pilot safe and in control, one's 'wheelhouse' in a professional or personal sense is where one operates best. This semantic shift reflects a broader cultural understanding of personal and professional domains.