call all the shots

call (all) the shots

To dictate how a situation or agenda proceeds, as from a position of authority. My staff has to do what I say because I'm the boss, and I call all the shots here! Mom calls the shots for Thanksgiving dinner, so you better get her approval for any dish you want to bring.
See also: call, shot
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

call (all) the shots

tv. to decide on the course of action; to be in charge. Why do you have to call all the shots?
See also: all, call, shot
McGraw-Hill's Dictionary of American Slang and Colloquial Expressions
See also:
  • call (all) the shots
  • call the
  • call the shots
  • call the shots/the tune
  • call the tune
  • piper
  • shot caller
  • pull rank
  • pull rank (on one)
  • too many cooks spoil the broth
References in periodicals archive
Legally, Hearn (left) thinks that can call all the shots.
Legally, Ed is so right.. morally, he is so wrong; ANDY DUNN Britain's best Sports Writer co.uk/sport
Meanwhile, Sarwar told a news channel last week that he wasn't redundant enough to watch Tareen call all the shots in Punjab.
Sarwar says Buzdar fully empowered to take decisions
Meanwhile, Sarwar, in an Express News programme last week said he wasn't redundant enough to watch Tareen call all the shots in Punjab.
Buzdar the only power centre in Punjab, asserts Sarwar
We need an informed, balanced decision on this before Ineos get to call all the shots. Again.
"transformative" potential boycotted the arrival of the We need to get on the right frack If you're the type to read
And he needs to realise it works both ways and that you won't sit around forever waiting for him to call all the shots. Be brave and don't put up with this.
I don't know why fiance wants to call off engagement
He has recently spoken about how this century will differ from the 20th as new forces and powers arise, where no one country will call all the shots.
Nobody's Century
I'd be more than happy for her to boss me around and call all the shots."
SOAP & GLORY: BUBBLING UNDER
The Ireland-based businessman will own 20 per cent of the club next year and will effectively be able to call all the shots.
FOOTBALL: McCARTHY'S IN FOR CELTIC JOB
will no longer be able to call all the shots in Asia--Bernstein and Munro advance a number of controversial proposals.
The Coming Conflict with China
Not that they call all the shots, or have carte blanche to veto Hillary's madcap public gambits.
Clintonomicus
An active writer and lecturer, he has recently spoken about how this century will differ from the 20th as new forces and powers arise, a time where no one country will call all the shots. You can hear his views at http://onpoint.wbur.org/2012/10/22/nobodys-century.
Nobody's World
Now he can call all the shots and he will do really well." Wigan were tipped for a Treble last season after defeating Leeds in the Challenge Cup final.
WARRIORS CAN WANE SUPREME
As well as owning a large part of the company, Cruise and Wagner will call all the shots.
CRUISE TO BE A MOVIE BOSS