call the shots
(chiefly, US) To make the decisions; to be in charge; to give orders.
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Everything about this is so incredibly telling. My favorite part of this is how it’s a perfect summation of these guys. I want to create—not meet—someone smarter than me, who will intellectually challenge me, but who…
BBC Radio 1 Anthems Radio 1 Pop Anthems: will.i.am, Liberty X, Selena Gomez and more Now Playing Girls Aloud Call The Shots
Definitions
(chiefly, US) To make the decisions; to be in charge; to give orders.
In today's health care system, insurance companies call the shots. They pick whom they cover and how they cover them. They can cut off your benefits when you need your coverage the most. They are in charge.
“Everything about this is so incredibly telling. My favorite part of this is how it’s a perfect summation of these guys. I want to create—not meet—someone smarter than me, who will intellectually challenge me, but who will always remember that I am in control and call the shots.”
— Bluesky· May 2026“BBC Radio 1 Anthems Radio 1 Pop Anthems: will.i.am, Liberty X, Selena Gomez and more Now Playing Girls Aloud Call The Shots”
— Bluesky· May 2026
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Related terms
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Semantically related
- captain's call68%
(AU) A decision made by a political or business leader without consulting colleagues.
- shot caller61%
(slang) Someone in charge, especially the leader of a street gang.
- call balls and strikes61%
(baseball) To act as a home plate umpire.
- hipshot61%
(dated) Clumsy, awkward.
- boss60%
To exercise authoritative control over; to tell (someone) what to do, often repeatedly.