Run the show
Meaning: To be in charge; to be the person who makes all the important decisions.
When someone runs the show, they're the boss — the one calling the shots and making things happen. It can describe official leadership or someone who dominates a situation without formal authority. 'Who runs the show around here?' is a common way to ask who's really in charge.
Examples
- She's been running the show since the old manager left. 自从老经理走了之后,一直是她在掌管一切。Ella lleva el timón desde que se fue el antiguo gerente.前のマネージャーが辞めてから、彼女が全てを仕切っている。전 매니저가 떠난 후로 그녀가 모든 것을 지휘하고 있다.
- Who runs the show around here? I need to talk to the decision-maker. 这里谁说了算?我需要找能拍板的人谈谈。¿Quién manda aquí? Necesito hablar con el que toma las decisiones.ここで仕切ってるのは誰?意思決定者に話がしたいんだ。여기서 누가 지휘해? 의사결정자와 이야기해야 하는데.
- Let the team lead run the show — he knows what he's doing. 让组长来掌管这个项目吧——他知道怎么做。Deja que el jefe de equipo lleve las riendas — sabe lo que hace.チームリーダーに仕切らせろ——彼は分かってるから。팀 리더에게 맡겨 — 그는 뭘 하는지 잘 알아.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: leadership, management, authority
Tone: confident, authoritative
✓ Do Say
- She basically runs the show.基本上是她在掌管一切。Básicamente ella dirige el cotarro.事実上、彼女が仕切っている。사실상 그녀가 모든 걸 지휘해.
- Let me run the show on this project.这个项目让我来负责吧。Déjame llevar las riendas en este proyecto.このプロジェクトは俺に仕切らせてくれ。이 프로젝트는 내가 지휘하게 해줘.
✗ Don't Say
- Don't say 'I run the show' about someone else's project — it's overstepping不要对别人的项目说'我来掌管'——这是越权No digas 'yo dirijo el cotarro' sobre el proyecto de otra persona — es pasarse de la raya他人のプロジェクトについて「俺が仕切ってる」とは言わないこと——越権行為になる다른 사람의 프로젝트에 대해 '내가 지휘한다'고 말하지 마라 — 월권이다
Origin & History
American show business expression from the early 20th century, referring to the person who manages a theater production or TV show. Extended to any leadership role.
Cultural Context
Era: Early 20th century
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
More From This Topic
More from Work & School
Flashcards, quizzes, audio pronunciation & spaced repetition — all free