call on the carpet
To call (a person) before an authority (as a boss or teacher) for a scolding or reprimand.
The worker was called on the carpet by the boss for sleeping on the job.
The principal called Tom on the carpet and warned him to stop coming to school late.
call the roll
To read out the names on a certain list, usually in alphabetical order.
The sergeant called the roll of the newly enlisted volunteers in the army.
call the shots
To give orders; be in charge; direct; control.
Bob is a first-rate leader who knows how to call the shots.
The quarterback called the shots well, and the team gained twenty yards in five plays.
call the tune
To be in control; give orders or directions; command.
Контролировать; давать указания.
Bill was president of the club but Jim was secretary and called the tune.
The people supported the mayor, so he could call the tune in city matters.
He shows a lot of authority but in fact it's his wife who calls the tune.
Он демонстрирует всю свою власть, но, в сущности, командует его жена.
call the turn
To tell in advance the result of something before you do it.
Mary won three games in a row, just as she said she would. She called her turns well.
Nothing ever happens as Tom says it will. He is very poor at calling his turns.
can't see the wood for the trees
can't see the woods for the trees
can't see the forest for the trees
To be unable to judge or understand the whole because of attention to the parts; criticize small things and not see the value or the aim of the future achievement.
Не видеть за деревьями леса. Не быть в состоянии понять ситуацию в целом из-за того, что все внимание уделено мелочам.
Teachers sometimes notice language errors and do not see the good ideas in a composition; they cannot see the woods for the trees.
The voters defeated a bond issue for the new school because they couldn't see the forest for the trees; they thought of their taxes rather than of their children's education.
We should think of children's growth in character and understanding more than of their little faults and misdeeds; some of us can't see the wood for the trees.
The new manager found the situation so complicated that he couldn't see the wood for the trees.
Новому менеджеру ситуация показалась такой запутанной, что он сумел разглядеть ее причину.
cap the climax
To exceed what is already a high point of achievement.
Sam's piano recital was great, but Bill's performance capped the climax.
carry a torch
carry the torch
To show great and unchanging loyalty to a cause or a person.
Although the others gave up fighting for their rights, John continued to carry the torch.
To be in love, usually without success or return.
He is carrying a torch for Anna, even though she is in love with someone else.