get the last word

1. To express the final point or opinion in an argument or discussion, especially in a way that decisively or conclusively ends it. Everyone started shouting, trying to drown out the others so they could get the last word. David is so smug, always making a point to get the last word in every debate. Shouldn't the professor get the last word on this issue? She's the expert, after all.

2. To have the final authority to decide what happens or how something is done. As the editor-in-chief, I get the last word on the layout for every issue. The department heads all contribute to creating the strategy, but it's ultimately the CEO who gets the last word. If we disagree about what course of action to take, then who gets the last word?