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to call the shots
01
to be in control of a particular situation and be the one who decides what needs to be done
![to [call] the (shots|tune) definition and meaning](https://cdn.langeek.co/photo/44350/original/?type=jpeg "to [call] the (shots|tune) definition and meaning")
Idiom
InformalWhat is the origin of the idiom "call the shots" and when to use it?
The origin of the idiom "call the shots" can be traced back to the sport of billiards or pool. In billiards, the player who "calls the shots" is the one who declares which ball they intend to hit and into which pocket it will go. By doing so, they take control of the game and determine the sequence of shots. It is often used when discussing leadership roles, management positions, or situations where one is responsible for directing and determining the course of action.
Example
The politician realized that he who pays the piper, calls the tune, and that he needed to listen to the concerns of his campaign donors.
The CEO of the company calls the shots when it comes to major business decisions.
He may come across as tough, but everyone knows that in their friendship, it's Jane who wears the pants and calls the shots.
The project manager calls the shots in terms of deadlines, resource allocation, and project milestones.
As the team captain, she calls the shots on the field and directs the plays.
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