call the shots

USAGE SUMMARY

'call the shots' is an idiom that is commonly used in written English.
It can be used to refer to someone who is in charge and makes the decisions, usually related to a particular situation or activity. For example: "John is the team leader, so he calls the shots."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Reference

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Today, players call the shots.

The New York Times

Who will call the shots?

The Economist

I'll call the shots".

The Guardian - Opinion

Stars increasingly call the shots on Broadway.

The New York Times

For now, lenders call the shots.

The New York Times

"Call the shots," he said.

The New York Times - Sports

We must call the shots".

The Guardian - Business

You're making dinner, you call the shots.

The New York Times

The Filipinos will call the shots".

The New York Times

He clearly prefers to call the shots.

The New York Times

Ultimately, the editor should call the shots.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "call the shots" when you want to emphasize the decision-making power someone has in a specific situation, especially when it involves directing others.

Common error

Avoid using "call the shots" when describing collaborative efforts or situations where authority is distributed among multiple people; it implies a single, dominant decision-maker.

Linguistic Context

The idiomatic expression "call the shots" functions as a verb phrase indicating the act of making decisions and exercising control over a situation. Ludwig confirms its common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Reference

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The idiom "call the shots" signifies being in charge and making decisions, a concept Ludwig AI identifies as grammatically correct and very common in English. It frequently appears in News & Media, Wiki, and Reference contexts, implying a neutral to informal register. While alternatives like "be in control" or "take command" exist, this expression vividly communicates the act of directing actions. When writing, remember that this idiom implies a singular decision-maker, so avoid using it when describing collaborative scenarios.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

run the show

Similar in meaning but more informal, suggesting control over an event or activity.

have the final say

Underscores the power to make the ultimate decision.

be in control

Focuses on the state of being in charge rather than the act of making decisions.

have the upper hand

Emphasizes having an advantage that allows control.

take the reins

Suggests assuming control and direction.

take command

Emphasizes the act of assuming control, often in a leadership role.

be at the helm

Implies guiding and directing a course of action.

lay down the law

Suggests imposing rules and commands.

be the boss

Highlights the hierarchical aspect of authority.

exercise authority

Focuses on the formal use of power.

FAQs

How can I use "call the shots" in a sentence?

You can use "call the shots" to indicate someone is in charge and making decisions, such as: "As the project manager, she gets to call the shots on how the project is executed."

What does it mean to "call the shots"?

To "call the shots" means to be in a position of authority and make the important decisions.

What can I say instead of "call the shots"?

You can use alternatives like "be in control", "take command", or "run the show" depending on the context.

Is it appropriate to use "call the shots" in formal writing?

While "call the shots" is widely understood, it leans towards informal language. In formal writing, consider more professional alternatives like "exercise authority" or "have the final say".