call the shots

VERB

be in charge

Synonyms

WEAK

be in control be in the driver's seat be in the saddle call the tune lay down the law make the decisions make the rules run the show wear the trousers

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But ultimately, it’s the university administrators who call the shots.

From Slate • May 27, 2025

But Dmitry Medvedev doesn’t get to call the shots.

From BBC • Aug. 8, 2024

But even he acknowledged that Mr. Trump was getting closer to being able to call the shots.

From New York Times • Feb. 9, 2024

Difficulty: 6 Super fun scale: 6 Best karaoke lines: “I’m like the ringleader, I call the shots / I’m like a firecracker / I make it hot”

From Los Angeles Times • Oct. 24, 2023

Mom, acid-eyes: You coddle her, you let her call the shots.

From "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson

call the shots

Example Sentences

Related Words