call the shots

Idioms  

1. Exercise authority, be in charge, as in It's up to the boss to call the shots. This term probably alludes to determining accuracy in target practice. [Mid-1900s] Also see call the tune.

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Example Sentences

"They are absolutely emaciated - and have limited powers to raise revenue, appoint people, allocate funds. Instead, it is the chief ministers of the states who act like super mayors and call the shots."

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2025

But ultimately, it’s the university administrators who call the shots.

From Slate • May 27, 2025

While other superstars in this town call the shots, Betts simply absorbs.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 10, 2024

But even he acknowledged that Mr. Trump was getting closer to being able to call the shots.

From New York Times • Feb. 9, 2024

And now I was finally in a position to call the shots.

From "From Twinkle, with Love" by Sandhya Menon