call the shots

[teresab]

I know it means "to be in charge", but could you suggest any other meaning in daily conversation? thanks

[podlesni]

To "call the shots" basically means to make the decisions; whoever is calling the shots has authority. Hope this helps!

[teresab]

thank you so much,
I have others: to face the music, to carry the can, to pass the buck, to mark the line, to sit on the fence
basically I know what they mean, but I´m looking for other definitions in daily conversation. thanks!

[podlesni]

OK, here goes:

to face the music---means to accept the consequences of your actions; basically, when you did something wrong, dealing with the consequences is "facing the music"

to carry the can---similar to "facing the music", but this one means taking the blame for something which wasn't your fault (at least not totally)

to pass the buck---pretty much the opposite of the two idioms above; "passing the buck" is not taking responsibility, but blaming somebody else; basically, saving yourself from getting into trouble by getting somebody else into trouble

to mark the line doesn't mean anything as far as I know...did you mean to "toe the line"?

to sit on the fence---means that you don't take either side in an argument or debate, either because you can't decide or because you just don't care

Hope this helps!

[teresab]

You´ve been very helpful. I´ve confirmed those idioms already. Thanks
By the way, where are you from? and where do you work?

[podlesni]

No problem. I'm from northern California but I'm actually currently a student at the University of Southern California. What about you?