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. I'm paying your tuition, so I get to call the tune—you're staying in school!
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
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.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer. Copyright © 2003, 1997 by The Christine Ammer 1992 Trust. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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'.
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012
call the ˈshots/the ˈtune
(informal) be in control: Ask Jenny — she’s the one who calls the shots around here.Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary © Farlex 2017
call the
shots/tune Informal To exercise authority; be in charge.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.