call the shots (ALSO call the tune)
to be in the position of being able to make the decisions which will influence a situation

[TahlilGaran] Advanced Learner's Dictionary ▲

call the shots
call the shots/tune
to be the person who makes all the important decisions and who has the most power in a situation.
She was used to calling the shots, to being in charge.

to make the important decisions.
The company was more successful when just one or two people were calling the shots.

Related vocabulary: call the tune, run the show
to have the most power and authority in a situation.
In this part of the mortgage market, the banks call the tune.

Related vocabulary: run the show, call the shots

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

call the shots
control something, make the rules (from calling the shots in billiards/pool); to be in charge, to give orders
My friend has been calling the shots in his company for several years now.

The vice-president is now calling the shots and is in control of the company.

During the meeting the vice-president was calling the shots.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

call the shots
v. phr., informal To give orders; be in charge; direct; control.
Bob is a first-rate leader who knows how to call the shots.
The quarterback called the shots well, and the team gained twenty yards in five plays.
Synonym: CALL THE TUNE.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲