Definition of the word back seat

The term "back seat" originated in the early 20th century with the advent of the automobile. Prior to this, carriages and other horsedrawn vehicles did not have a separate compartment for passengers to sit in, as seating arrangements were usually communal. However, with the popularity of automobiles, car manufacturers began adding rear seating to provide passengers with a more comfortable and private riding experience. The first cars built with rear seating typically had a simple bench that could be folded down to create more space for luggage or extra passengers. Over time, as cars became more luxurious and intricate, so too did the design of the back seat. Today, the back seat of a car is a separate section with individual seats that offer greater comfort and amenities compared to the front, such as adjustable headrests, armrests, and even entertainment systems. The phrase "back seat" has now become a common colloquialism used to describe someone who holds a secondary or lesser role in a given situation, as the person occupying the rear seats of a car is often seen as having less authority or power than the driver seated up front. In this metaphorical sense, the term has expanded beyond just the context of automobiles to describe any situation in which an individual is in a position of minor importance.