run the show

Idioms  

1. Take charge, assume control, as in Ever since Bill retired from the business, his daughter's been running the show. The word show here simply means “kind of undertaking.” [First half of 1900s] A similar usage is run one's own show, meaning “exert control over one's own activities” or “act independently.” For example, The high school drama club didn't ask permission to perform that play—they want to run their own show. [Mid-1900s]

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Example Sentences

He also questioned the newly hired executive producer, Nick Bilton, and his ability to run the show, citing his lack of TV news experience.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 5, 2026

A handful of powerful agencies run the show, which means they have to bet on an aspiring star for them to succeed in Korea.

From BBC • Feb. 6, 2026

It was both the first time they’d run the show on a stage and the last time they would practice before the sold-out Beautiful Chaos tour.

From Los Angeles Times • Dec. 9, 2025

Veteran Vatican-watchers, however, caution that even with women taking on high-profile appointments and winning the right to vote at the October synod, the men still run the show.

From Seattle Times • Jun. 18, 2023

But the enzymes do not run the show.

From "Cosmos" by Carl Sagan

Related Words

• administer
• conduct
• dominate
• govern
• guide
• handle
• maintain
• operate
• oversee
• regulate
• run
• supervise
• take care of
• take over
• train
• use