What do you call "Bob is coming along for the ride" in the following case?

I think it means that Bob is invited to observe, but not expected to participate or contribute much to the effort.

Not exactly an insult, but if I’m Bob I’d find it mildly annoying and tell my colleague that it’s OK, I’ll just stay here in the garage…

By the way he is saying that to a large number of visitors/trainees et al.

It may not be a compliment, but I doubt that it’s an insult. Bob’s on a learning curve, and he’s there to observe and be educated. If things work out for Bob, he’ll soon be in the driver’s seat and no longer riding along.

I agree with SMP. The shorter the amount of time that Bob has worked there, the less offensive the comment is….

The idiom, not that it really matters, is “Bob is just along for the ride.” It depends on how Bob is feeling about his role.

I call that a passive aggressive ‘dig’ at Bob’s expense. Or a cheap shot depending on tone & delivery.

To me it means Bob is just an observer. I don’t think it is necessarily good or bad; it just is. It depends on Bob’s role. If Bob is new or never been a party to what is about to occur, then maybe he is invited for instructional purposes.

It could be intended as a warning shot at someone else. “I have this guy Bob, he’s happening and he’ll be on hand. If you drop the ball, I may give Bob a boost in your direction.” There are a number of ways to look at it, but I really think Bob has no reason to be offended. I see it as opportunity knocking. Bob should do like dogs do when they go along for the ride. Memorize everything he can, in case he ever has to make the trip alone!

You are right, Jonesy. It’s all context. Maybe it means:

“We don’t really need Bob’s help here, but would still enjoy having him with us…”

I’d like more information. For example does Bob’s colleague have the authority to order Bob to take the ride? Does Bob possess some particular expertise involving the purpose of the “ride”? Did Bob know, expect, or even request the invitation?

With all due respect, I think we’re all getting much too involved in Bob’s life, job, and personal business!

Bob is certainly anonymous enough to not suffer any possible offense or embarrassment or even knowledge of this question.

@stanleybmanly Hey! Bob’s a close friend of mine, and I’m very protective.

@SadieMartinPaul What a coincidence. He’s a close personal friend of mine as well. But these others here haven’t a clue as to who or where he is, or perhaps I’m wrong.

@stanleybmanly How about if you and I get together and gossip about Bob? I’m rather fond of the guy, so promise not to say anything bad or catty about him.

Soy @bob_. I am in the kitchen, making sandwiches.

I just got more detail. The colleague has said worse things in the past to needle Bob. Bob and this colleague share the job equally. They have equal seniority The colleague wants the job all to himself.

Bob should pee on the colleag’s tire.

I second Jonesy, but Bob should also make sure that someone photographs this for the company newsletter….

@SadieMartinPaul I think we should each contact Bob and get him involved in this discussion. After all, he’s the one best suited to explain this entire situation and interpret the statement of his peculiar colleague.

Bob just acts like colleague hasn’t said anything disrespectful, or laughs it off, every time.

From the information added later, Bob is expected to be up to speed with the rest of the group. It was clearly an insult, this is some asshat manager’s idea of management/motivation by intimidation. Grownups hate working for managers like that.

@dabbler He is not the manager, and there is no group, from the information added later.