Call the Shots – Meaning & Usage Examples

Embark on a journey of exploration as we unravel the meaning, trace the origin, delve into real-life examples, and discover quotes associated with the idiom ‘call the shots.’ Are you ready for a linguistic adventure? Let’s get started!

Meaning of the Idiom

The idiom ‘call the shots’ is a metaphorical expression that means to make important decisions or be in control of a situation. Someone who “calls the shots” is typically the one who holds authority, influence, or power, especially in making key decisions.

Origin of the Idiom

The origin of the idiom ‘call the shots’ is rooted in the imagery of a person giving orders or directions, much like a leader or a director would do in a game or a theatrical production. The phrase has been widely used in various contexts to describe someone who is in charge and directs the course of events.

10 Idiom Examples in Real-Life Conversations

1. The team captain is the one who calls the shots during a game, determining the strategy and making crucial decisions on the field.

2. In business partnerships, it’s essential to have clear communication about who will call the shots and make key decisions for the success of the venture.

3. The project manager is the one who calls the shots in terms of assigning tasks, setting deadlines, and ensuring the project’s progress.

4. During a crisis, a decisive leader is needed to call the shots and guide the team through challenging situations.

5. In filmmaking, the director is the creative force who calls the shots, making decisions about the script, scenes, and overall vision of the movie.

6. Effective government requires leaders who can call the shots wisely, considering the well-being of the citizens and the country.

7. During negotiations, it’s crucial to have a representative who can call the shots and make decisions that align with the best interests of the involved parties.

8. In sports, the head coach is the one who calls the shots, making strategic decisions that can impact the outcome of the game.

9. Successful entrepreneurs are often individuals who are willing to call the shots and take calculated risks for the growth of their businesses.

10. In military operations, a commanding officer is the one who calls the shots, issuing orders and coordinating actions for the success of the mission.

10 Quotes Using the Idiom

1. “Leadership is about having the courage to call the shots, the wisdom to make sound decisions, and the humility to take responsibility for the results.” – Unknown

2. “Life is a game, and you are the player. Don’t be afraid to step up, take control, and call the shots that lead to your victory.” – Unknown

3. “Success comes to those who are willing to call the shots and navigate their own journey, even in the face of uncertainty.” – Unknown

4. “In the grand theater of life, you are the director. Don’t be a spectator; step onto the stage, embrace your role, and call the shots.” – Unknown

5. “To be a leader is to call the shots not for personal glory, but for the collective success and growth of those you lead.” – Unknown

6. “Don’t wait for opportunities; create them. Call the shots in your own story and make each chapter a testament to your strength and resilience.” – Unknown

7. “The person who is not afraid to call the shots is the one who shapes their destiny rather than being shaped by it.” – Unknown

8. “Empower yourself to call the shots in your life. You are the author of your journey, and every decision you make contributes to the plot.” – Unknown

9. “The ability to call the shots is not just about control; it’s about using your influence to make a positive impact on the world around you.” – Unknown

10. “Leadership is not a title; it’s a mindset. Anyone can call the shots by taking initiative, making decisions, and inspiring others to join the journey.” – Unknown

Idioms Starting From Letter C

Each and every letter of the English alphabet has hundreds of idioms. As in this post, we are talking about the idiom beginning with the letter C. There are many other idioms that also start with the ‘C’, which can be useful to you. We have gathered all the C-starting idiomatic expressions on a single page to make it easy for you to find the best and most useful idioms starting with the letter C.

Related Idioms:

Leave a Reply