call the shots
Make the decisions
To call the shots is to be in charge and make the decisions that matter.
The phrase likely comes from billiards, where players announce which shot they'll attempt, or from directing gunfire.
She calls the shots around here—nothing happens without her approval.
Someone who calls the shots has real authority, not just a title.
Energy transfer rate
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
- controlAuthority to direct
- jurisdictionLegal authority's scope
- mandateFormal authoritative directive
autonomy · sovereignty · governance · dominion · rule · supremacy · clout · final say
Workplace superior
- chiefTop-ranking leader
- leaderOne who guides others
- commanderPerson with authority over others
- directorOne who leads
captain · head · manager · quarterback · mastermind · orchestrator · decision-maker · executive
Reach a conclusion
- determineEstablish through investigation
- dictateGive orders imperiously
- directUndeviating or to guide
- strategizeDevise a plan
plan · coordinate · prioritize · delegate · execute · mandate · decree · adjudicate
Rock back and forth
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- pullForce toward oneself
- persuasionConvincing through reasoning
- impactForceful contact or consequence
steering · guidance · manipulation · pressure · lobbying · shape · affect · orchestrate
power
Energy transfer rate
- commandAuthoritative instruction given
- controlAuthority to direct
- jurisdictionLegal authority's scope
mandate · autonomy · sovereignty · governance · dominion · rule · supremacy · clout · final say · veto power
boss
Workplace superior
director · captain · head · manager · quarterback · mastermind · orchestrator · decision-maker · executive · supervisor
decide
Reach a conclusion
strategize · plan · coordinate · prioritize · delegate · execute · mandate · decree · adjudicate · arbitrate
sway
Rock back and forth
- leverageBorrowed capital for amplified returns
- pullForce toward oneself
- persuasionConvincing through reasoning
impact · steering · guidance · manipulation · pressure · lobbying · shape · affect · orchestrate · maneuver
- combat idiomsstab in the back, dodge a bullet, in the crosshairs, fire away, under the gun
- Leadership idiomslead by example, take the reins, at the helm, take charge, run the show
- power idiomspull strings, hold sway, throw weight around, power play, upper hand
- idiomstime flies, hit the sack, seize the day, ring a bell, break a leg
- leadership verbslead, command, direct, manage, supervise
- powerauthority, electric power, nuclear power, solar power, wind power