pull strings

1. To use personal connections to obtain a position: “Pat was officially interviewed for the job, but he also had his uncle pulling strings behind the scenes.” This phrase makes reference to the operation of string-controlled puppets, or marionettes.

Idioms and Phrases

Also, pull wires . Use one's influence, as in By pulling strings he got us house seats to the opening , or His father pulled some wires and got him out of jail . Both terms allude to manipulating a marionette. The first dates from the second half of the 1800s, the second from the early 1800s.

Example Sentences

With their international team-mate Santiago Carreras also now back in contention to pull strings for Gloucester, the end of the Rugby Championship may subtly alter the balance of Premiership power in weeks to come.

From BBC

“The defendant is high-profile and everyone believes he pulled strings, which scared people off.”

From New York Times

For decades after decolonization, France continued to pull strings and reap benefits in Africa.

From Seattle Times

Inside, police said, they found an expired Guatemalan passport in the name of “Obdulio Arias Lopez” and black trash bags with red pull strings.

From Washington Post

She was invited to a reception by her local MP, Christophe Plassard, who is trying to pull strings to get her a French passport.

From BBC

Related Words

• affect
• alter
• arouse
• bias
• change
• determine
• guide
• impress
• manipulate
• persuade
• prejudice
• prompt
• regulate
• shape
• sway