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Showing results for call the shots.
Definitions

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.

"They are absolutely emaciated - and have limited powers to raise revenue, appoint people, allocate funds. Instead, it is the chief ministers of the states who act like super mayors and call the shots."

From BBC • Dec. 28, 2025

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

From Slate • May 27, 2025

But with “Drop,” Fahy reminds the next generation of women that they call the shots in their own lives, no matter who tries to tell them otherwise.

From Salon • Apr. 12, 2025

Jorge Frias, secretary general of the Argentine fishing captains’ union, explained that on Argentine-flagged ships, the Chinese call the shots.

From Los Angeles Times • Aug. 4, 2024

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

From "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson