Run the show Meaning in English
expression
ˈɹən/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈʃoʊ
RUN thuh SHOW
ɹˈʌn/ /ðə, ði/ /ʃˈəʊ
run thuh SHOH
Definition
To be the person in charge or responsible for organizing, managing, or making the important decisions for an event, group, or situation.
Usage & Nuances
Informal and idiomatic; often used in workplaces or teams to mean controlling or leading everything. Not limited to literal 'shows'—refers to taking charge of any project or situation. Similar to 'call the shots' or 'be in charge.'
Spanish: dirigir el espectáculo - estar al mandoPortuguese (BR): comandar o espetáculo - estar no comandoPortuguese (PT): comandar o espetáculo - estar ao comandoChinese (Simplified): 掌管一切 - 主持大局Chinese (Traditional): 掌管一切 - 主持大局Hindi: सब कुछ संभालना - प्रमुख होनाArabic: يدير الأمور - يكون المسؤولBengali: শো চালানো - সবকিছু নিয়ন্ত্রণ করাRussian: руководить всем - быть главнымJapanese: 采配を振る - 指揮をとるVietnamese: điều hành mọi việc - chỉ huyKorean: 지휘하다 - 주도하다Turkish: ipleri elinde tutmak - her şeyi yönetmekUrdu: سب کچھ سنبھالنا - نظام سنبھالناIndonesian: mengendalikan segalanya - memimpin
Example Sentences
Who will run the show while the manager is away?
basic
My mother always runs the show at family dinners.
basic
If you want things done your way, you have to run the show.
basic
Ever since he got promoted, he’s been trying to run the show.
natural
Relax, I don’t want to run the show—I just want to help.
natural
She likes to run the show, so just let her take the lead.
natural