pull strings
The phrase "pull strings" originates from the idea of a puppeteer manipulating a puppet, symbolizing the use of influence to control situations or people.
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Definition
B2General
(informal)To use one's influence or connections to achieve a desired result, often in a discreet way.
Example
- She managed to get the job by pulling some strings with the hiring manager.
- He pulled strings to get his son into the prestigious university.
B2General
(informal)To manipulate or control someone or something from behind the scenes.
Example
- The CEO was known to pull strings to ensure the board's decisions favored his interests.
- She felt like her boss was pulling strings to keep her from advancing in her career.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "pull strings":
pull timepull cordstring betleading stringspull inpull backpull apartpull throughsystem pullon a stringpull a leverstring togetherpull outfirst stringpull downstring upapron stringstring outsecond stringpulling powerpull awaypush alongdraw weight