Call the shots Meaning in English
expression
ˈkɔɫ/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈʃɑts
KAWL-thuh-SHAHTS
kˈɔːl/ /ðə, ði/ /ʃˈɒts
KAWL-thuh-SHOTS
Definition
To be the person in charge or the one who makes the most important decisions in a situation.
Usage & Nuances
This is an informal idiom, common in both spoken and written English. Often used about work, family, or teams when discussing who has authority. The expression does not refer to literal shooting; don't confuse with terms about giving commands in emergencies.
Spanish: mandar - tomar las decisionesPortuguese (BR): dar as ordens - tomar as decisõesPortuguese (PT): mandar - tomar as decisõesChinese (Simplified): 做主 - 指挥Chinese (Traditional): 做主 - 指揮Hindi: फैसले लेना - आदेश देनाArabic: يتحكم - يصدر الأوامرBengali: নিয়ন্ত্রণ করা - সিদ্ধান্ত নেওয়াRussian: рулить - принимать решенияJapanese: 仕切る - 指図するVietnamese: đưa ra quyết định - nắm quyền quyết địnhKorean: 결정권을 쥐다 - 주도하다Turkish: ipleri elinde tutmak - sözü geçmekUrdu: اختیار رکھنا - فیصلے کرناIndonesian: mengendalikan - membuat keputusan
Example Sentences
My dad calls the shots at home.
basic
The manager calls the shots at work.
basic
Who calls the shots in this team?
basic
She likes to call the shots wherever she goes.
natural
Even though he's the boss, it's really his assistant who calls the shots.
natural
If you want anything done here, talk to Sam—he calls the shots.
natural