call the shots

Meaning of the phrase:

Origin of the phrase:

Ever found yourself in a situation where you’re not in charge? Maybe your boss is being a control freak or your friends are taking forever to decide on a pizza topping. If you’re nodding your head in agreement, then it’s time to take a stand and “call the shots.” But before you do, let’s explore the history of this iconic phrase. From the fields of sports to the boardrooms of corporate America, “calling the shots” has come a long way.

First and foremost, let’s clarify what “calling the shots” actually means. It’s a phrase used to describe having control or authority over a situation, often in a position of power where one makes decisions for others. A basketball coach might “call the shots” by selecting the plays to run or a CEO might “call the shots” by making important business decisions. With that said, let’s dive into the juicy origins of this phrase and see if we can’t uncover the secrets behind ‘calling the shots’.

One theory suggests that “calling the shots” originated from the game of billiards or pool. The idea is that players would announce their shots in advance, declaring which ball they were aiming for and which pocket they intended to sink it in. This explanation seems plausible, given that billiards is still a popular game today and players all around the world can be heard “calling their shots” in pool halls and bars alike. However, there are other theories out there that may give this one a run for its money.

The most widely accepted theory is that “calling the shots” comes from the sport of target shooting, where a shooter would announce in advance exactly where the target would be hit as a measure of their skill. If someone else were “calling the shots,” the shooter would be taking orders and hitting targets at that person’s direction. This theory is very plausible given that guns were invented long ago, with the first recorded use of a modern firearm dating back to 1364. With the need to hit a precise target, it’s likely that the need to call one’s shot would soon follow.

Ah, the plot thickens with a third theory! Some believe that “calling the shots” actually originated in the Scottish sport of curling, which dates back to the 1500s. In curling, the team captain or Skip is the one who “calls the shots” and makes the strategic decisions for the team. The Skip is responsible for leading the team, giving instructions on where to aim the stones and how much power to use. The word “skip” itself is also used as a verb and means to lead one’s rink. As you can see, as in the example with the skip, the one who calls the shots, is the one who in control of the situation, the decision maker. In fact, the earliest example of this term being used among the three sports we could identify comes from the sport of curling, appearing in the St. Paul daily globe on February 9,  1892, discussing a recent curling match:

Why in thunder don’t you wait till I call the shot and give you the ice before you shoot.

So while this theory may not be as well-known as the others, it certainly has a lot going for it!

It is likely that the idiom, as we use it today, began its figurative journey in the early 1900s. The earliest known example of its use in a non-literal sense appears in The Coronado Eagle and Journal on March 24, 1949, where it was used to refer to Stalin’s control in Communist camps:

The red leaders throughout the world, and in the US couldn’t make it any plainer that Stalin calls the shots in every Commie camp.

In conclusion, the origins of “calling the shots” may remain a mystery, but what is clear is that this phrase has become a part of our lexicon through its use in sports such as pool, billiards, and curling. These sports remind us that taking control and leading our team, whether it be in a game or in life, can lead to success. So, embrace your inner curling skip and start “calling the shots” in your own life today. Who knows what victories you may achieve?