the final say

the final say

1. The final point in an argument or discussion, especially that which decisively or conclusively ends it. The whole meeting just descended into chaos as everyone tried to have the final say. David is so smug and always has to have the final say in every debate.
2. The authority to decide how something ultimately happens or is done. As the editor-in-chief, I have the final say on the layout design for every issue.
See also: final, say
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.
See also:
  • the final word
  • your/the last/final word
  • have the final say
  • have the final word
  • have the last say
  • the last word
  • last word
  • last word, the
  • have the last word
  • get in the last word
References in periodicals archive
Steve Nickson will put names to Bruce but, likeRafa Benitez,he will get the final say.
Steve Bruce reveals he will have final say on Newcastle United transfers - and is insulted by 'yes man' claims; The new Magpies boss will oversee recruitment in the final weeks of the transfer window
Head of recruitment Steve Nickson will put names to Bruce but, like Rafa Benitez, the head coach will get the final say.
I'm no puppet, I'm in charge, says Bruce
The Spaniard currently has the final say on all transfer activity until June 30.
Better the Devils you know..
It's understood that the contract on the table for Benitez contains a clause that still leaves him with the final say in his contract.
Budget restraints hold back Rafa's bid for progress; contract uncertainty adding to headache
Under Maryland law, governors have the final say in whether an inmate will be paroled.
Delegates weigh bill extending lifers' parole eligibility
MANUEL PELLEGRINI insists he will have the final say on Marko Arnautovic's West Ham future.
Arnie fate up to Pell
Respondents were asked whether they "support the British public having the final say on the Brexit deal".
Backing for second EU poll throughout UK, data suggests
Parliament has the final say when political Bills are processed through parliament, while the people have the final say when the Bill is about amending the constitution, e.g.
People need to read Referendum rules
"This amendment is more about political point scoring than following a strategy and it would be deeply unfair for the Liberal Democrats to use this amendment against other supporters of the People's Vote campaign who are united behind efforts to get the deal rejected and then secure the British public the final say they deserve."
Brexit second referendum campaigners fall out over when to gamble on MPs backing another vote; People's Vote have attacked the Lib Dems over the timing
President Duterte would have the final say in the plan of Bureau of Corrections (Bucor) chief Ronald 'Bato' dela Rosa to run in the 2019 polls.
Bato dela Rosa on running for governor: 'Duterte has final say'
Summary: Manager says his 'bosses' have the final say over players leaving and arriving
Jurgen Klopp says Philippe Coutinho's Liverpool future is out of his hands
JURGEN KLOPP insists he will continue to have the final say on all transfers following the appointment of Michael Edwards as Liverpool's sporting director.
THE LAST WORD; I'LL HAVE FINAL SAY ON TRANSFERS - JUST AS I DID BEFORE, SAYS KLOPP
James Pearce james.pearce@trinitymirror.com @JAMESPEARCEECHO JURGEN KLOPP insists he will continue to have the final say on all transfers following the appointment of Michael Edwards as Liverpool's sporting director.
Klopp: I still have the final say on transfers; Manager Jurgen welcomes appointment of new sporting director Edwards
"Whoever brings the player, if it's me or my assistant, then we have a lot of things to watch, to talk about and in the end I have the final say. That's the most important thing for you to know."
Klopp will continue to have final say on Liverpool transfers
"I certainly had a say, but the final say? I don't think ever comes to the final say.
Sherwood: Don't blame me now