To call the shots means to be the person in charge, to have control over the progress of a situation or a course of action. The term call the shots, meaning to be in control of a situation, was first used in print in the 1960s. Most probably, the phrase was used in everyday speech prior to this time.

What means calling the shots?

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.

Where did calling the shots come from?

Call the shots was originally an American phrase, first recorded in the 1960s. Call the tune comes from the saying he who pays the piper calls the tune , which dates from the late 19th century. 1996 Sunday Telegraph Britain is no longer run from Downing Street. It's Brussels that calls the shots.