IDIOMS

World of sports

IN ENGLISH, THE BUSINESS WORLD DRAWS SIGNIFICANT INSPIRATION FROM THE WORLD OF SPORTS, WHICH IS REFLECTED IN MANY COMMONLY USED EXPRESSIONS. WE HAVE COMPILED A LIST OF OVER 130 SUCH EXPRESSIONS, COMPLETE WITH EXPLANATIONS AND EXAMPLES.

CALL THE SHOTS.

The expression "call the shots" means to make decisions or take control of a situation. Its origin may come from the world of billiards or the military.

In certain types of billiards matches, players must announce their shot before executing it. They specify which ball will hit another and in which pocket it will land, illustrating a precise level of control.

In a military context, officers give orders based on the available information, determining the strategies to be adopted on the field.

Examples:

  • The regional managers used to call the shots, but now the head office is taking over.

  • Our legal department will be calling the shots with this new lawsuit.

  • We have three options for our office in Toronto. You call the shots on which one we will choose.

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