Call the shots

(PW) be in charge, give orders

We knew who the supervisor was because she called all the shots.

(usingEnglish)

If you call the shots, you are in charge and tell people what to do.

(about)

Definition: be in charge; be the boss in any given situation

Explanation: Generally used in a work setting

Examples: Since Tom has been calling the shots, the work has doubled. - I really don't feel like calling the shots, but if you insist, I would say we need to focus more on production.

(free)

call (all) the shots

to decide on the course of action; to be in charge. Why do you have to call all the shots? Do what you're told. I'll call the shots.

call the shots and call the tune

Fig. to make the decisions; to decide what is to be done. Sally always wants to call the shots, and Mary doesn't like to be bossed around. They don't get along well. Sally always wants to call the tune.

call the shots/tune

to be the person who makes all the important decisions and who has the most power in a situation She was used to calling the shots, to being in charge.

See answer the call of nature, call in chips, bring to heel

call the shots

to make the important decisions The company was more successful when just one or two people were calling the shots.

(your)

call the shots idiom

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.