A device or technique is used ... in reverse. Commonly, it is setting a car to reverse. In comedies, or a comedic moment anyway, a new driver will pull forward, only it's in reverse. Conversely, they may put the car in gear as if it's in reverse, look behind themselves, and then drive forward. Often a Sub-Trope of Driving Stick. Compare Backwards-Firing Gun. See Wiper Start for more comedic driver incompetence. Examples of Had the Silly Thing In Reverse include: