To be in control of a situation; to make the important decisions and direct the course of action.
This phrase has dual origins: it comes from both billiards, where players must announce which ball they intend to sink and where, and from military artillery, where spotters would direct gunners' aim. Both contexts involve directing and controlling precise actions.
The billiards origin is particularly interesting because it requires not just skill but the confidence to publicly declare your intentions before attempting them. This adds a layer of accountability and pressure that perfectly captures what leadership entails.
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