Call the shots

This expression has come to mean to be in charge or in control of events and derives from target shooting where the shooter is so confident of his or her capabilities that they can predict exactly what will happen. According to the OED, its current figurative to be in control is from c. 1930 and is of American origin. Shots are also called or nominated in billiards, snooker and pool but this is not the origin of the expression.