What is the origin of the idiom "at the helm of" and when to use it?

The idiom "at the helm of" originated from nautical terminology. "Helm" refers to the steering mechanism of a ship, typically a wheel or tiller controlled by the helmsman. The helmsman stands at the helm, guiding and directing the course of the vessel. This expression is commonly used in business settings, referring to executives, CEOs, or managers who are leading a company or a team. It can also be used in political contexts to describe leaders or heads of state who are responsible for making important decisions and setting policies.