Phrase guide

call the tune

verb · 2 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

Each Play button uses your device's default local English voice, or a natural local fallback. The selected voice name appears after playback. This is synthesized speech, not a source recording.

  • Australia: Recorded audio is listed in the source snapshot.

1

verb

Meaning 1

Synonym of call the shots.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

No example sentence was provided for this meaning.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: call the shots

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

exercise authority or be in charge

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • Who is calling the shots in this house?

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: call the shots, wear the trousers

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: control, command

History

Etymology

From who pays the piper calls the tune.