call the tune
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Verb (idiomatic):
- To be the person who makes the important decisions; to be in control or in charge of a situation.
- To have the authority to dictate how something should be done.
Usage
This idiom is used to describe a person or group that holds the power to control events, make rules, or set the course of action. It implies a position of leadership or dominance where others must follow their directives.
Examples
- In a business context:
- While the CEO is the public face, it's the board of directors that ultimately calls the tune.
- In a family or social context:
- In their partnership, it's clear that she calls the tune on all major financial decisions.
- In a general context:
- The company that provides the most funding will be the one to call the tune on the project's direction.
Advanced Usage
- "To call the tune" often carries a connotation of wielding power from behind the scenes or being the decisive influence, not necessarily the most visible leader.
- The influential advisor doesn't have an official title, but he's the one calling the tune in the administration.
Variants and Related Words
- Call the shots: A very similar idiom with identical meaning and usage.
- He's the manager, so he gets to call the shots.
- Rule the roost: To be in charge, especially in a domestic or specific group setting.
- Hold the purse strings: To control the spending of money, a specific form of calling the tune.
Synonyms
- Be in charge
- Be in control
- Be the boss
- Dictate terms
- Hold sway
Related Idioms
- Pay the piper and call the tune: This extended idiom emphasizes that the person who pays for something has the right to control it. The common phrase is often shortened to "He who pays the piper calls the tune."
- The investors have put up all the capital, so they expect to pay the piper and call the tune.
Verb
- exercise authority or be in charge
- Who is calling the shots in this house?