Being in Charge: English Vocabulary List

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

"My life is in hands."

"When you undergo a serious surgery, your life is literally in the hands of the skilled surgeon."

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

"He likes to throw his weight around."

"The new manager throws his weight around and bullies everyone who works under him."

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

"The boss laid down the law."

"The new manager had to lay down the law regarding punctuality and attendance."

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

"She wears the pants here."

"Everyone in the office knows that she is the one who wears the pants in the company because she makes all the important financial decisions."

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

"He is at the helm of the company."

"The innovative CEO has been at the helm of the technology company for over a decade, guiding its success."

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

"Nothing bad happened on my watch."

"The manager felt responsible for the decline in sales that occurred on his watch."

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

"She calls the shots here."

"In our family, my grandmother is the one who calls the tune and everyone respects her decisions."

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

"The manager had the upper hand."

"The home team gained the upper hand after scoring two quick goals in the second half."

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

"She rules the roost at home."

"Ever since he was young, he has liked to rule the roost and make all the decisions."

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

"Big brother is watching."

"Big brother is watching you and the government monitors citizens' online activity."

the ultimate and conclusive statement or decision about a subject

"She had the last word."

"The manager's final word on the matter was that no further changes would be considered."

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

"The ad got its hooks into me."

"The clever marketing campaign got its hooks into young consumers who became loyal customers."

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

"She likes to hold the reins."

"The experienced politician was chosen to hold the reins of the new government during the crisis."

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

"Your future is in your own hands."

"The future of the project is in your hands now so please make good decisions for everyone."

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

"Be the captain of your own ship."

"After leaving his stressful job he became captain of his own ship by starting a small business."

the ultimate and conclusive statement or decision about a subject

"That's the lastword."

"After a lengthy debate, the committee's decision on the new policy was the definitive lastword."