Go Along for the Ride

Etymology:

• It is a 19th century phrase, which emerged in the times when automobile came to light. The expression exactly meant what it said. When you have nothing to do, you tend to feel it would be better to go for a ride with someone, and you know that driver will drive the car, you will just be sitting in it and looking outside. Today to “go along for a ride” means to join an activity with the person not taking part in it, just to give him company.