Top 35 Slang For Decision Making – Meaning & Usage

When it comes to making decisions, having the right lingo can make all the difference. Navigating the world of decision-making can be tricky, but fear not, we’ve got you covered. Our team has rounded up the top slang for decision making that will have you feeling confident and in the know. So buckle up and get ready to up your decision-making game with this fun and informative listicle!

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1. Pull the trigger

This phrase is often used to describe the act of making a decision or taking action. It implies that one has reached a point where they must commit to a course of action.

For example, “After months of deliberation, she finally decided to pull the trigger and start her own business.”
In a discussion about buying a new car, someone might say, “I’m not sure if I should go for it, but I might just pull the trigger and buy it.”
A person facing a difficult choice might say, “I’ve been thinking about it for a while, and I think it’s time to pull the trigger and make a change.”

2. Call the shots

This phrase means to be in a position of authority and have the power to make decisions.

For instance, “As the CEO of the company, he calls the shots and makes all the major decisions.”
In a discussion about team dynamics, someone might say, “In this project, I want everyone to have a say, but ultimately, I’ll be the one calling the shots.”
A person describing their role in a group might say, “I’m the team leader, so I get to call the shots and guide our strategy.”

3. Take the plunge

This phrase means to make a daring or risky decision, often involving a significant change or commitment.

For example, “After years of contemplating, she finally decided to take the plunge and move to a new city.”
In a discussion about career choices, someone might say, “I’ve been thinking about starting my own business for a while, and I think it’s time to take the plunge.”
A person encouraging someone to make a big decision might say, “Sometimes you just have to take the plunge and see where life takes you.”

4. Roll the dice

This phrase means to take a risk or gamble on a decision or action, often with uncertain outcomes.

For instance, “He decided to roll the dice and invest all his savings in a startup.”
In a discussion about career changes, someone might say, “I’m considering quitting my job and pursuing my passion. It’s a big risk, but sometimes you have to roll the dice.”
A person describing a risky decision they made might say, “I knew it was a long shot, but I decided to roll the dice and enter the competition.”

5. Bite the bullet

This phrase means to confront or endure a challenging decision or situation, often with courage or determination.

For example, “She knew she had to bite the bullet and have a difficult conversation with her boss.”
In a discussion about overcoming obstacles, someone might say, “Sometimes you just have to bite the bullet and tackle the problem head-on.”
A person describing a tough decision they made might say, “It was a hard choice, but I had to bite the bullet and end the toxic relationship.”

6. Make a move

This phrase means to make a decision and take action on it. It often implies that one should not hesitate or delay in making a decision.

For example, in a game of chess, a player might say, “It’s time to make a move and attack the opponent’s king.”
In a business setting, a manager might tell their team, “We need to make a move and launch the new product before our competitors.”
A friend might advise, “If you’re interested in that person, you should make a move and ask them out.”

7. Play it by ear

This means to make decisions or take actions based on the current situation or circumstances, without a predetermined plan. It often involves adapting and adjusting as needed.

For instance, if someone asks about your weekend plans, you might say, “I don’t have anything specific in mind, I’ll just play it by ear.”
In a music context, a band might say, “We have a general setlist, but we also like to play it by ear and see how the audience is responding.”
A person planning a road trip might decide to “play it by ear” and stop at interesting places along the way.

8. Go with your gut

This means to rely on your intuition or instinct when making a decision. It suggests that one should trust their inner feelings or emotions rather than overthinking or analyzing too much.

For example, when choosing between two job offers, someone might say, “I’m going to go with my gut and accept the one that feels right.”
In a sports game, a coach might advise their team, “When in doubt, go with your gut and trust your training.”
A friend might say, “If you’re unsure about which path to take, just go with your gut and follow your heart.”

9. Take a stand

This means to make a firm decision or take a clear position on an issue or situation. It implies standing up for what one believes in and not wavering or being indecisive.

For instance, in a political debate, a candidate might say, “I’m going to take a stand and fight for the rights of the working class.”
In a group discussion, someone might say, “It’s time for us to take a stand and speak out against injustice.”
A person facing a difficult choice might resolve to “take a stand” and make the decision that aligns with their values.

10. Make up your mind

This phrase means to make a decision and choose a specific option or course of action. It suggests that one should stop being indecisive and commit to a choice.

For example, if someone is taking a long time to choose between two menu items at a restaurant, the server might say, “Please make up your mind, I have other customers waiting.”
In a relationship, one partner might say, “I need you to make up your mind about our future together.”
A friend might encourage, “Stop overthinking and make up your mind. You’ll feel better once you’ve made a decision.”

11. Take the bull by the horns

This phrase means to confront a problem or challenge head-on without hesitation or fear.

For example, if someone is facing a difficult decision, they might say, “I need to take the bull by the horns and make a choice.”
In a business context, a manager might advise their team, “We need to take the bull by the horns and address this issue before it gets worse.”
A motivational speaker might encourage their audience, “Don’t be afraid to take the bull by the horns and go after what you want in life.”

12. Trust your instincts

This phrase means to believe in your own natural ability to make the right decision, even if it goes against logical reasoning or outside advice.

For instance, if someone is unsure about a job offer, they might say, “I’m going to trust my instincts and turn it down.”
In a high-pressure situation, a coach might tell their athlete, “Trust your instincts and go with your gut.”
A friend might advise another, “You’ve always had good instincts, so trust yourself and make the decision that feels right.”

13. Follow your heart

This phrase means to listen to your emotions and desires when making a decision, rather than relying solely on logic or practicality.

For example, if someone is choosing between two career paths, they might say, “I’m going to follow my heart and pursue my true passion.”
In matters of love, a person might say, “I followed my heart and chose to be with the person who makes me happiest.”
A parent might advise their child, “When it comes to choosing a college, follow your heart and go where you feel most excited.”

14. Stick to your guns

This phrase means to stay committed to your original decision, even in the face of opposition or doubt.

For instance, if someone is being pressured to change their mind, they might say, “I’m going to stick to my guns and stand by my decision.”
In a debate, someone might say, “I respect your opinion, but I’m going to stick to my guns and defend my position.”
A leader might encourage their team, “We’ve made a strategic decision, and it’s important that we stick to our guns and see it through.”

15. Go out on a limb

This phrase means to take a bold or daring action, often with uncertainty of the outcome, in order to achieve a desired result.

For example, if someone is considering a career change, they might say, “I’m willing to go out on a limb and pursue my dream job.”
In a creative project, someone might say, “Let’s go out on a limb and try something completely different.”
A friend might encourage another, “You’ve been playing it safe for too long. It’s time to go out on a limb and take a chance.”

16. Commit to

When you commit to something, you are making a conscious decision to follow through with a particular action or plan.

For example, “I commit to waking up early every morning to exercise.”
In a business context, someone might say, “We need to commit to this new marketing strategy for it to be successful.”
A person might declare, “I commit to finishing this book by the end of the month.”

17. Resolve upon

When you resolve upon something, you are making a firm decision or determination to take a specific course of action.

For instance, “I resolve upon starting a new hobby to improve my mental well-being.”
In a group setting, someone might say, “Let’s resolve upon a plan of action to address this issue.”
A person might declare, “I resolve upon being more assertive in my relationships.”

18. Determine to

When you determine to do something, you are making a decision or arriving at a conclusion based on careful consideration or analysis.

For example, “I determine to pursue a career in medicine.”
In a personal development context, someone might say, “I determine to overcome my fear of public speaking.”
A person might declare, “I determine to save money and travel the world.”

19. Elect to

When you elect to do something, you are choosing or deciding to take a particular action or course of action.

For instance, “I elect to volunteer at the local animal shelter.”
In a political context, someone might say, “I elect to run for office.”
A person might declare, “I elect to prioritize my mental health and well-being.”

20. Opt to

When you opt to do something, you are choosing or deciding to take a specific action or course of action.

For example, “I opt to take a break and recharge.”
In a career context, someone might say, “I opt to pursue further education to advance my skills.”
A person might declare, “I opt to live a minimalist lifestyle for environmental reasons.”

21. Settle on

To choose or make a decision after considering various options or possibilities.

For example, “After much deliberation, I have decided to settle on the blue dress for the party.”
In a group discussion, someone might say, “Let’s settle on pizza for dinner.”
When faced with multiple job offers, a person might say, “I finally settled on the job that offers the best benefits.”

22. Conclude to

To come to a decision or make a choice after careful consideration or evaluation.

For instance, “After weighing the pros and cons, I have concluded to pursue a career in marketing.”
In a debate, one might say, “We can conclude to the fact that climate change is a pressing issue.”
When discussing travel plans, someone might state, “We concluded to visit Europe for our next vacation.”

23. Elect for

To select or choose something among different options or possibilities.

For example, “I have elected for the vegetarian option for dinner.”
In a survey, someone might say, “60% of respondents elected for option B.”
When deciding on a movie to watch, a person might state, “Let’s elect for a comedy tonight.”

24. Resolve for

To make a firm decision or determination after considering various factors or options.

For instance, “After careful consideration, I have resolved for a career change.”
In a meeting, someone might say, “Let’s resolve for a new marketing strategy.”
When discussing personal goals, a person might state, “I have resolved for a healthier lifestyle.”

25. Settle for

To accept or choose something that may not be the desired or ideal option.

For example, “I couldn’t find my favorite brand, so I settled for a different one.”
In a negotiation, someone might say, “I wanted a higher salary, but I had to settle for less.”
When discussing travel plans, a person might state, “We couldn’t afford a luxury hotel, so we settled for a budget-friendly option.”

26. Conclude for

This phrase means to come to a decision or make up one’s mind about something.

For example, “After careful consideration, I concluded for the blue option.”
In a group discussion, someone might say, “Let’s conclude for the most cost-effective solution.”
When faced with multiple choices, a person might say, “I need to conclude for the option that aligns with my goals.”

27. Take the leap

This expression means to take a risk or make a daring decision, often involving stepping outside of one’s comfort zone.

For instance, “I decided to take the leap and quit my job to pursue my passion.”
A person considering a major life change might say, “It’s scary, but I think it’s time to take the leap.”
When faced with a difficult choice, someone might encourage themselves by saying, “I need to take the leap and trust in my abilities.”

28. Trust your gut

This slang phrase means to rely on one’s instincts or intuition when making a decision, rather than relying solely on logic or analysis.

For example, “I had a feeling that something was off, so I trusted my gut and declined the offer.”
A person might say, “I always trust my gut when it comes to making important decisions.”
When faced with conflicting advice, someone might say, “I need to trust my gut and go with what feels right to me.”

29. Go with your heart

This expression means to make a decision based on one’s emotions or feelings, rather than relying solely on logic or practicality.

For instance, “I know it doesn’t make logical sense, but I’m going with my heart and pursuing my dream.”
A person might say, “Sometimes you just have to go with your heart and trust that it will lead you in the right direction.”
When faced with a tough decision, someone might say, “I need to go with my heart and choose what will make me happiest.”

30. Stick your neck out

This slang phrase means to take a risk or make a bold decision, often involving putting oneself in a vulnerable position.

For example, “I decided to stick my neck out and propose a new idea to the team.”
A person considering a risky investment might say, “I’m willing to stick my neck out and see if it pays off.”
When faced with a challenging opportunity, someone might encourage themselves by saying, “I need to stick my neck out and seize the moment.”

31. Take a chance

This phrase means to take a risk or try something despite the uncertainty of the outcome.

For example, “I’m going to take a chance and apply for that job even though I don’t meet all the qualifications.”
In a discussion about trying new experiences, someone might say, “Life is short, take a chance and travel the world.”
A person considering a risky investment might say, “I’m willing to take a chance on this opportunity because the potential payoff is worth it.”

32. Make the call

This phrase means to make a final decision or judgment.

For instance, “After careful consideration, I’ve decided to make the call and accept the job offer.”
In a sports context, a coach might say, “It’s a tough play, but someone needs to make the call.”
A person discussing leadership might say, “A good leader knows when to make the call and take decisive action.”

33. Make the cut

This phrase means to meet the necessary qualifications or standards to be included or selected.

For example, “I studied hard to make the cut and get into my dream university.”
In a competition, someone might say, “Only the top performers will make the cut and advance to the next round.”
A person discussing job applications might advise, “Tailor your resume to make the cut for the specific position you’re applying for.”

34. Go for broke

This phrase means to take a bold or risky action, often with the potential for great success or failure.

For instance, “I’m going to go for broke and start my own business.”
In a discussion about pursuing dreams, someone might say, “Sometimes you have to go for broke and take a leap of faith.”
A person discussing gambling might caution, “Be careful when you go for broke, as the stakes can be high.”

35. Put your foot down

This phrase means to assert oneself and take a firm position or make a definitive decision.

For example, “I had to put my foot down and set boundaries in my relationship.”
In a discussion about parenting, someone might say, “Sometimes you have to put your foot down and enforce rules.”
A person discussing workplace dynamics might advise, “If someone is crossing the line, it’s important to put your foot down and address the issue.”