做主 zuòzhǔ to take charge; to make the decision
How to remember 做主: 做 do + 主 lord = to take charge; to make the decision.
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How it is used
- To make the decision / have the final say on a matter - 这事我做不了主 (zhè shì wǒ zuò bu liǎo zhǔ) I'm not in a position to decide this.
- The pattern 替/为...做主 means to stand up and decide for someone (or right a wrong on their behalf): 你要为我做主 (you must take my side and set things right).
- Also 当家做主 (dāngjiā zuòzhǔ) - to be master of one's own affairs. Colloquial, about authority to decide.