1.
command; direction; leadership; calling the shots
The act of directing, managing, or making decisions for a group or project. Originally referred to a commander's baton used in battle.
采配を振るう。
Take command; call the shots.
監督の采配がチームを勝利に導いた。
The manager's leadership led the team to victory.
このプロジェクトは彼が采配を振っている。
He's calling the shots on this project.
ETYMOLOGY:
采配 originally referred to a commander's baton made of paper strips, used to signal troops in battle. The word now means leadership or command itself.
USAGE:
Commonly used in:
- Sports (manager's decisions)
- Business (project leadership)
- Politics (party leadership)
KEY EXPRESSION:
- 采配を振るう - to take command, to direct, to call the shots
This is the most common collocation and means to actively lead or make decisions.