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

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Los Angeles Times

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

From Washington Post

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.

From New York Times

Called Demo Le Abbay, meaning "If They Test Us on the Nile" in Amharic, it criticises "Egypt's shamelessness" - implying that the North African nation can no longer call the tune.

From BBC

Related Words

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