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Region: US | Usage example: She calls the shots in that department.

Call the shots

Meaning

Be the one who makes decisions.

Usage

Used in leadership or coordination contexts.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Military or sport imagery, where issuing commands decides actions.

20th-century sportswriting broadened the meaning to authority roles.

Related Idioms

Call the right shots

Make smart decisions.

Call it quits

Stop doing something.

Call on the carpet

Summon someone for a reprimand.

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.