shot caller
One giving orders
A shot caller is someone who makes the decisions and gives the orders, especially in contexts where power dynamics are clear.
The term originated in prison slang, where the shot caller runs things for a gang or group of inmates, but it has spread into general use for anyone who controls what happens in a given situation.
He's the shot caller around here, so nothing moves without his say-so.
Workplace superior
- kingpinCriminal organization's leader
- chiefTop-ranking leader
- head honchoChief in charge
- top dogDominant leader
big cheese · head · captain · commander · don · godfather · capo · ringleader
Influential behind-scenes dealmaker
- decision makerAuthority who concludes matters
- dealmakerOne who negotiates agreements
- puppeteerPerformer controlling jointed figures
- gatekeeperOne controlling entry
tastemaker · kingmaker · mover and shaker · wheeler dealer · strategist · behind-the-scenes · fixer · political boss
Jailed offender after trial
- inmateConfined facility resident
- cell blockPrison housing unit
- commissaryMilitary base store
- yardLinear measure or grounds
corrections · lockup · penitentiary · state pen · federal prison · lifer · OG · respect
boss
Workplace superior
- kingpinCriminal organization's leader
- chiefTop-ranking leader
- head honchoChief in charge
top dog · big cheese · head · captain · commander · don · godfather · capo · ringleader · mastermind
power broker
Influential behind-scenes dealmaker
- decision makerAuthority who concludes matters
- dealmakerOne who negotiates agreements
- puppeteerPerformer controlling jointed figures
gatekeeper · tastemaker · kingmaker · mover and shaker · wheeler dealer · strategist · behind-the-scenes · fixer · political boss · party boss
convict
Jailed offender after trial
- inmateConfined facility resident
- cell blockPrison housing unit
- commissaryMilitary base store
yard · corrections · lockup · penitentiary · state pen · federal prison · lifer · OG · respect · protection
- prisoncell block, inmate, jail, prison, prisoner
- prison slangshank, shiv, yard, cellie, commissary
- powerauthority, electric power, nuclear power, solar power, wind power
- bossesboss, bossman, manager, supervisor, foreman
- leadersleader, boss, leaders, bosses, chiefs
- team rolesteam lead, captain, healer, goalkeeper, vice captain