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

I had to pull strings to get into his scheme—and was honored when he merely took my phone call.

From The Daily Beast

She was still able to pull strings, and to make her influence felt in various directions.

From Project Gutenberg

I want to pull strings, even for somebody else, or be Princetonian chairman or Triangle president.

From Project Gutenberg

The bag was suspended around Maria's neck by a leathern thong, and was operated by pull-strings.

From Project Gutenberg

After some anxious thought he decided that it was his duty to try to pull strings.

From Project Gutenberg

De men folks was put to de post what had holes bored in it whe' dey pull strings through to fasten dem up in dere.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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