to run the show

Examples

• All

• You think you're running the show?

  Lockout (2012)

• The CIA is running the show.

  Monsters of Man (2020)

• OK OK yes I was a little bit late today, but how could I run the show without my special Co host here huh?

• You are running the show.

  Playing Mona Lisa (2000)

• I run the show here!

  The Right Stuff (1983)

• I wanted to be in charge, decide everything, and run the show.

  Fiction book (1990)

• I'm running the show now.

  Evil Dead II (1987)

• You're the one running the show, apparently.

  Wasted Hours (2018)

• Now, some sixteen years later, she was running the show at the Counterterrorism Center.

  Fiction book (2000)

• The truth is, if Boris wasn't running the show, less people would be dead right now.

Synonyms

L

to lead

vsto run the show

∞ 1.0

To guide a group or be in charge

involves overall command and practical control beyond simple guidance

C

to conduct

vsto run the show

∞ 3.9

To organize and direct an activity such as a meeting

applies more widely to managing an entire ongoing operation rather than a single event

M

to manage

vsto run the show

643 2.7

To be in charge of a group or a business

is about taking overall control of an entire activity

O

to operate

vsto run the show

510 3.2

To run a business or project and make the main decisions

focuses more on overall leadership and decision responsibility

C

to call the shots

vsto run the show

• Informal

99 4.2

To be in control and make the important decisions

includes practical management of all parts, not only decision making

T

to take charge

vsto run the show

98 3.5

Start to control a group or situation and lead others

implies ongoing overall command rather than just taking initial control

A

to administer

vsto run the show

• Formal

81 4.7

Manage the running of something like a business or program

is the informal idea of being the main person in control

T

to take the lead

vsto run the show

79 3.2

To start guiding a group or activity and make the main decisions

covers full, ongoing authority over the whole operation rather than initiative only

H

to head up

vsto run the show

59 3.9

To lead a group or team

emphasises running the whole situation rather than just guiding it

T

to take the helm

vsto run the show

12 4.4

To lead an organization, group, or project

stresses continuous hands-on running of the activity rather than just starting it

H

to hold the reins

vsto run the show

• Informal

3 4.9

To be in control of a group or business

adds practical day-to-day oversight of the whole activity

C

to carry the ball

vsto run the show

• Informal

2 4.6

Lead a project or task and make sure it is finished

is broader, covering running the whole operation not just one project

A

to administrate

vsto run the show

• Formal

1 5.6

Manage and be in charge of an organization, program or activity in an official way

is more general and informal, not only formal paperwork or rules

Antonyms

S

to serve

∞ 1.7

To work for someone or act in an official role, often in the military

F

to follow

• Jargon

45 5.0

To play with another musician while matching their timing

How Much Control

to dominate

275 3.7

to run the show

• Informal

58 4.1

to lead

∞ 1.0

to help out

• Informal

486 1.0

to participate

866 2.5

Surface Forms

Morphology

Etymology