pull strings

Cultural  

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.

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pull strings Idioms  

1. 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.

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Example Sentences

The 56-year-old had no official post during his father's rule, but was speculated to be acting behind the scenes to pull strings at the heart of power in Iran.

From Barron's

The first simulation slot opened at seven, and my mom had pulled strings to get me in at the last minute.

From Literature

The government alleges Chinese officials pulled strings in return, such as enriching her husband’s lobster-export business, which they said pulled $15.8 million into the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal

She alleged in her lawsuit that a close friend of Labrada’s pulled strings to keep her out of the position.

From Los Angeles Times

Holly Aitchison, a playmaking fly-half, will get the chance to pull strings for the first time in the tournament after recovering from an ankle injury to take her place on the bench.

From BBC

Related Words

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