string along
To keep somebody falsely believing that one has certain intentions.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“He is just stringing you along.”
“She realized he was stringing her along when he kept delaying their wedding plans for years.”
“The candidate continued to string along the voters with empty promises, despite having no intention of fulfilling any of his campaign pledges.”
- 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
harp on one string
To dwell on a single subject with disagreeable or wearisome persistence.
- 04
harp on the same string
To repeatedly say the same thing.
- 05
hold the purse strings
To be in control of spending; to have financial power and responsibility.
- 06
loosen the apron strings
To allow greater freedom (to someone); to relax control of (someone).
- 07
loosen the purse strings
To increase spending or allow increased spending; to relax control of spending.
- 08
no strings attached
Without conditions or obligations; without a catch.
Last updated August 10, 2026