THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Call the shots
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To have the authority to make the important decisions in a situation.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- Who will call the shots on the final design?
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
0 of 1 checked correctly
Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
Who will ________ on the final design?
Show the answer
Call the shots — To have the authority to make the important decisions in a situation.
Try your own sentence (optional)
Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Call the shots” about your own life.
Check your sentence
Does your sentence match this meaning?
To have the authority to make the important decisions in a situation.
Compare: Who will call the shots on the final design?
Check the spelling and how the expression fits the sentence. Your example can be different.
Self-review only. Your sentence is not automatically marked, saved or submitted.
This quiz is for practice. To save lesson completion on this device, complete the checks in the app.
GO DEEPER
More ways to understand and use it
Jump to a section
When to use it
Use this conversational expression when explaining who controls a project or makes its key decisions. It may sound critical if you use it to complain about someone’s power.
More examples in context
- The project leader calls the shots, but she listens to everyone’s suggestions.
- During the rehearsal, the director called the shots on timing and movement.
Usage note
Keep shots plural and use the: call the shots. The past form is called the shots. The phrase concerns decision-making authority; speaking the most does not automatically mean having that authority.
A short conversation
A: Can I approve the final poster?
B: Ask Farah. She calls the shots on the design.
A: Thanks. I will send her the draft.
One more practice question
Who calls the shots on a project?
A. The person authorised to make its final decisions.
B. A visitor who watches the project without making decisions.
Check your answer
A. The authorised decision-maker has control over the important choices. Merely watching does not give someone that role.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.