Pull the strings
verb phrase
To secretly control things from behind the scenes.
Although she seemed to have no role in the company, she was the one who pulled the strings.
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To exploit connections to gain personal advantage.
He got the job because his father pulled the strings
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To manipulate people or situation like a puppeteer.
He was only a figurehead, it was his advisors who pulled the strings
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To secretly control things from behind the scenes.
Although she seemed to have no role in the company, she was the one who pulled the strings.
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To exploit connections to gain personal advantage.
He got the job because his father pulled the strings
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb phrase
To manipulate people or situation like a puppeteer.
He was only a figurehead, it was his advisors who pulled the strings
Usage tips
Idiomatic
Definition 1 of 3
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Power
Used when someone controls a situation secretly, without being the official leader.
The CEO was just a front man—the CFO actually pulled the strings.
Pro Tip 2/3Power Dynamic
Implies a power imbalance, where one person has influence over others without making it obvious.
In the election, it was clear an unknown force was pulling the strings.
Pro Tip 3/3Mystery Influence
Suggests secret or hidden influence, gaining interest in who is actually in charge.
The mysterious investor managed to pull the strings at the board meeting.
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Power
Used when someone controls a situation secretly, without being the official leader.
The CEO was just a front man—the CFO actually pulled the strings.
Pro Tip 2/3Power Dynamic
Implies a power imbalance, where one person has influence over others without making it obvious.
In the election, it was clear an unknown force was pulling the strings.
Pro Tip 3/3Mystery Influence
Suggests secret or hidden influence, gaining interest in who is actually in charge.
The mysterious investor managed to pull the strings at the board meeting.
Pro Tip 1/3Hidden Power
Used when someone controls a situation secretly, without being the official leader.
The CEO was just a front man—the CFO actually pulled the strings.
Pro Tip 2/3Power Dynamic
Implies a power imbalance, where one person has influence over others without making it obvious.
In the election, it was clear an unknown force was pulling the strings.
Pro Tip 3/3Mystery Influence
Suggests secret or hidden influence, gaining interest in who is actually in charge.
The mysterious investor managed to pull the strings at the board meeting.
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