call the tune

1. To be in control. The phrase comes from the proverb “The one who pays the piper calls the tune.”

Idioms and Phrases

Make important decisions, exercise authority, as in Nancy said that it's her turn to call the tune. The full term is Who pays the piper calls the tune, meaning whoever bears the cost of an enterprise should have authority over it. [Late 1800s] Also see the synonym call the shots.

Example Sentences

Roberts and Kavanaugh called the tune and knew the dance steps well.

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He, or she, who wields the gavel calls the tune.

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And the Rehnquist court had a broad definition of corruption that encompassed rich donors’ power to “call the tune” for elected officials.

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“Corporations have always called the tune ultimately. Everyone pays attention to the guys at the top and always has.”

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The question, of course, is how long, even at those companies, the old law will be suspended — that he who pays the piper calls the tune.

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Related Words

• attend 
• control 
• direct 
• handle 
• keep 
• manage 
• operate 
• order 
• organize 
• oversee 
• regulate 
• run 
• supervise