call the tune

Related to call the tune: at least, at first glance, in favor of, out of commission, touch base

call the tune

To dictate how a situation or agenda proceeds, as from a position of authority. The phrase is a shortened version of "Who pays the piper calls the tune," which means that the person who pays for something assumes control over it. My staff has to do what I say because I'm the boss, and I call the tune here! Mom calls the tune for Thanksgiving dinner, so you better get her approval for any dish you want to bring.
See also: call, tune
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

call the tune

Make important decisions, exercise authority, as in Nancy said that it's her turn to call the tune. The full term is Who pays the piper calls the tune, meaning whoever bears the cost of an enterprise should have authority over it. [Late 1800s] Also see the synonym call the shots.
See also: call, tune
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

call the tune

COMMON If someone calls the tune, they are in control of a situation and make all the important decisions. If managers tried to get players to come back in the afternoon they'd have a riot on their hands. The players call the tune these days. Whether you're talking plant-breeding or choice of seed, supermarkets call the tune. Note: This expression comes from the proverb `he who pays the piper calls the tune'.
See also: call, tune
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

call the ˈshots/the ˈtune

(informal) be in control: Ask Jenny — she’s the one who calls the shots around here.
See also: call, shot, tune
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

call the

shots/tune Informal
To exercise authority; be in charge.
See also: call
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition.
See also:
  • call the shots/the tune
  • piper
  • great minds
  • great minds think alike
  • cut the cord
  • carry a big stick
  • good riddance
  • good riddance (to bad rubbish)
  • good-bye and good riddance
  • riddance
References in periodicals archive
And recalled centre Craig Dutton added a fourth as Hinckley continued to call the tune before his brother Adam signed off with a brace - Brittain adding a conversion before Aspatria grabbed a consolation goal towards the end of the game.
Re-shaped pack clinch it for Nuns; Hinckley 34 Aspatria 10
SCOTLAND will be able to "call the tune" at Westminster after the general election, according to Alex Salmond.
Scots could call tune after poll - Salmond
The Deesiders continued to call the tune and wrapped up their days in the top tier with a third from Mike Hayes on 76 minutes.
Nomads end on high note; welshprem ROUND-UP
PIPER FAIL TO CALL THE TUNE: Cullercoats Piper (stripes) lost 4-1 to Burradon and New Fordley in the Synergy Blyth and Wansbeck Sunday League's Premier Division PICTURE: STEVE MILLER
Football: Monkseaton out of Cup hunt; Synergy Blyth and Wansbeck Sunday League ALL THE ACTION FROM THE REGION'S SUNDAY FOOTBALL LEAGUES
Since we pay the piper, though, we ought to call the tune - however humble our status.
Healthy outlook from outposts
But the big guns are ready to run and SINGING POET is expected to call the tune when he makes his debut.
Racing: STABLE INSIDER: Singing Poet's ready to banish Godolphin blues; Course gossip worth knowing
RULE BRITANNIA (2.40), from the in-form James Fanshawe stable, can call the tune at Beverley today.
RACING: FANSHAWE CAN REIGN
Mellow Jazz can call the tune in the Ladbroke Stakes Handicap (2.50).
Newmarket: Stitch can secure quickfire hat-trick
It should be remembered that he who pays the piper should sometimes be able to call the tune. Ted McKay, Wrexham.
Your LETTERS: Call the tune; VIEWPOINT
Gateshead boss Derek Bell will order his squad to get in the mood tomorrow as part of his plans to call the tune on Monday night.
Bell-igerent Derek
Blue Symphony cost 80,000 Euros at the Irish sales and is expected to call the tune when she makes her racecourse bow.
Racing: Stable insider: You won't be Blue with Paul; The Course gossip worth knowing.