Fig. to make the decisions; to decide what is to be done. Sally always wants to call the shots, and Mary doesn't like to be bossed around. They don't get along well.Sally always wants to call the tune.
to be the person who makes all the important decisions and who has the most power in a situation She was used to calling the shots, to being in charge.
Exercise authority, be in charge, as in It's up to the boss to call the shots. This term probably alludes to determining accuracy in target practice. [Mid-1900s] Also see call the tune.