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Region: General | Usage example: She called the right shots to save the launch.

Call the right shots

Meaning

Make smart decisions.

Usage

Used when praising strategic judgment.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Sports metaphor for shot selection.

Used in management and performance contexts.

Related Idioms

Call the shots

Be the one who makes decisions.

Call it a day

Decide to stop doing something, typically work, for the rest of the day.

Call it quits

Stop doing something.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.