shot callers
Those in charge
Shot callers are people who make important decisions and wield authority, especially in criminal organizations or prisons.
The term comes from the idea of "calling the shots"—determining what happens.
In prison contexts, shot callers control gang activities and settle disputes: The shot callers decided there would be no retaliation.
Outside prison, the term applies to anyone with real power in an organization: She's one of the shot callers in the music industry.
- kingpinsDominant figures in organizations
- authoritiesThose holding official control
- bossesManagers or raised studs
- leadersThose with authority
- head of stateNation's chief representative
directors · mob boss · powerbrokers · power broker · rulers · influencers · pulling strings · behind the scenes · manipulator · head honcho · big cheese · top brass · patriarch · capo · ringleader · tactician · strategist · decision-makers
shot callerssubordinates
Those ranked below
underlings · minions · lackeys · foot soldiers · followers
shot callersinstruments
Tools for precise tasks
tools · drones · puppets · figureheads · functionaries
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