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

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

Walters had a friendship with unsavory lawyer Roy Cohn, who pulled strings to make her father’s tax problems go away.

From Los Angeles Times

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

Related Words

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