wirepuller

[ wahyuhr-pool-er ]

noun

1. a person or thing that pulls wires.
2. a person who uses secret means to direct and control the actions of others, especially for selfish ends; intriguer.
3. snake ( def 3b ).

wirepuller

/ ˈwaɪəˌpʊlə /

noun

1. a person who uses private or secret influence for his own ends

Derived Forms

• ˈwireˌpulling, noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of wirepuller¹

1825–30, Americanism; wire + puller ( def )

Example Sentences

He is seen to be a cold-blooded international tycoon and wirepuller, whose “digger” image is wholly cynical and whose global ruthlessness is a matter for shame.

From BusinessWeek

He called Johnson a "scheming wirepuller" who ought to rename the White House the "White wash House."

From Time Magazine Archive

I have never done anything; I have never been a doer, a canvasser, a wirepuller, a manager, in the ordinary sense of these words.

From Project Gutenberg

“You were lucky to have such an attractive wirepuller,” I frigidly announced.

From Project Gutenberg

Occupation in peace, with a reduced establishment, was not easy to get, and his brother, an inveterate wirepuller, must needs know to whose favor Nelson owed it.

From Project Gutenberg