pull strings
To manipulate a situation, especially by asking favours of others; to use one's influence with others to attain a desired goal.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He pulled strings to get his friend a job.”
“My uncle pulls strings to get us the best seats at the theater.”
“Does she pull strings to help her children win every competition?”
“She pulled strings with the manager to ensure her project received extra funding this year.”
“The director had to pull strings at the local council to get a permit for the outdoor festival on such short notice.”
“You should not have to pull strings just to get an appointment with a specialist when you are feeling this sick.”
“By pulling strings among his well-connected associates, the candidate secured the nomination despite his lack of experience.”
The idiom derives from the operation of a puppet show, specifically the manipulation of marionettes from above. The term identifies the hidden control of characters through the pulling of attached strings, a mechanism that allows the operator to direct movements while remaining out of view.
- 01
another string to one's bow
Another skill, ability or resource to be used in case of failure.
- 02
apron string
A symbol of the domestic ties binding a male to a female (as a husband to a wife or a son to a mother).
- 03
gravity's pull
Stress or pressure of a situation acting upon a person.
- 04
harp on one string
To dwell on a single subject with disagreeable or wearisome persistence.
- 05
harp on the same string
To repeatedly say the same thing.
- 06
hold the purse strings
To be in control of spending; to have financial power and responsibility.
- 07
loosen the apron strings
To allow greater freedom (to someone); to relax control of (someone).
- 08
loosen the purse strings
To increase spending or allow increased spending; to relax control of spending.
Last updated August 10, 2026