Call the tune

Meaning

Control the direction of a situation.

Usage

Used when one person makes the decisions.

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.

Band leaders literally set the pace and tempo.

The metaphor came from 19th-century music halls.