Decision & Control - Being in Charge

Explore English idioms that relate to being in charge, including "wear the pants" and "upper hand".

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{one's} life [is] in {one's} hands [sentence]

used to say that someone can decide whether one lives or dies

Ex: Getting behind the wheel drunk meant her life was in her hands to make the choice to call a cab instead.

to [throw] {one's} weight around [phrase]

to use one's power or influence in order to get what one wants, particularly by behaving in an aggressive and dominating manner

Ex: The politician tried to throw her weight around during the debate , speaking over others and disregarding opposing viewpoints .

to [lay] down the law [phrase]

to tell people what to do in a forceful and authoritative manner

Ex: The teacher had to lay down the law in the classroom to maintain order and ensure that students followed the rules .

to [wear] the pants [phrase]

to be the one who makes important decisions and is in complete control and of a relationship or family

Ex: He may come across as tough , but everyone knows that in their friendship , it 's Jane who wears the pants and calls the shots .

at the helm of {sth} [phrase]

in complete control of or with overall responsibility for a particular person or thing

Ex: The seasoned coach was at the helm of the team , leading them to victory with his tactical expertise and motivational skills .

on {one's} watch [phrase]

as long as one has the power and authority or is responsible for something

Ex:

to [call] the (shots|tune) [phrase]

to be in control of a particular situation and be the one who decides what needs to be done

Ex: The director calls the tune during the film production , deciding on scenes , camera angles , and overall creative vision .

upper hand [noun]

the position of high power or authority from which one can exert complete control over a situation or others

Ex: The underdog team seized the upper hand in the final minutes of the match , scoring two goals to secure a surprising win .

to [rule] the roost [phrase]

to be in control and have absolute power in a group or in a situation

Ex: In the competitive world of fashion , she effortlessly ruled the roost as a renowned designer , setting trends and influencing the industry .

big brother [noun]

a powerful person or organization that invades people's privacy by controlling and monitoring their actions

Ex: With the rise of social media , people are willingly sacrificing their privacy , unknowingly inviting a " big brother " presence into their lives .

(last|final) word [phrase]

the ultimate and conclusive statement or decision about a subject

Ex: During the family meeting , my grandmother always insists on having the final word on any important family matters .

to [get] {one's} hooks into {sb/sth} [phrase]

to get complete control of or to heavily influence someone or something

Ex: The charismatic cult leader used psychological tactics to get his hooks into his followers , gaining complete control over their lives .

to [hold] the reins [phrase]

to be in charge of a particular company, organization, etc.

Ex: With his expertise and experience , he holds the reins of the project , overseeing its execution and ensuring its timely completion .

in {one's} hands [phrase]

used to mean that one has control, responsibility, or authority over something

Ex: Holding the scholarship application in her hands , she knew that her future educational opportunities were within her control .

captain of {one's} own ship [phrase]

used to refer to an individual who has authority and control over their own life and decisions

Ex: She refused to be dictated by societal expectations and chose to be the captain of her own ship , pursuing her passions and dreams .

Decision & Control
Under Control	Out of Control	Losing Control	Being in Charge
Force & Obligation	Obedience	Choices & Decisions	Decisiveness
Indecisiveness	Dependency