call the shots
Meaning
To be the person who is in control and makes the important decisions; to have the final say.
Origin
From cue sports (pool/billiards), where a player must “call” the intended shot in advance; it later broadened to mean directing how things will be done.
Notes
Often highlights control/power and who has the final say. Common in conversation and workplace talk; can sound assertive or confrontational when challenging authority.
Examples
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In this company, the board calls the shots, not the CEO.
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Stop arguing—Mom calls the shots in this house.
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If we’re paying for the project, we should be able to call the shots.
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He likes to be the one calling the shots, even on small details.
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Who’s calling the shots on this campaign—marketing or sales?
Grammar & Usage Notes
Verb phrase; “the shots” is usually fixed. Inflects normally (calls/called/calling the shots). Often used as “Who calls the shots?” or with a preposition: “call the shots on/for [something].”
Synonyms
- be in charge
- make the decisions
- run the show
- have the final say
- call the tune
- pull the strings
Antonyms
- take orders
- follow directions
- be subordinate
- have no say