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

“You want to be able to call the shots as you see them, true to the law,” Pines said in an interview.

From Los Angeles Times • May 30, 2026

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

From Slate • May 27, 2025

But Dmitry Medvedev doesn’t get to call the shots.

From BBC • Aug. 8, 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

Mom, acid-eyes: You coddle her, you let her call the shots.

From "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson