call the shots
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The role of prime minister does not typically include a say on military strategy or frontline operations, where Zelensky and his military chiefs call the shots.
From Barron's ● Jul. 12, 2026
And after years of advising C-suite decision makers, he wanted to call the shots.
From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 5, 2026
"They are absolutely emaciated - and have limited powers to raise revenue, appoint people, allocate funds. Instead, it is the chief ministers of the states who act like super mayors and call the shots."
From BBC ● Dec. 28, 2025
Jorge Frias, secretary general of the Argentine fishing captains’ union, explained that on Argentine-flagged ships, the Chinese call the shots.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 4, 2024
Mom, acid-eyes: You coddle her, you let her call the shots.
From "Wintergirls" by Laurie Halse Anderson
