Phrase guide

pull strings

verb · 3 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

verb

Meaning 1

To manipulate a situation, especially by asking favours of others; to use one's influence with others to attain a desired goal.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, intransitive

Examples

  • He has the job not because of talent, but because his dad pulled strings with the boss.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

2

verb

Meaning 2

To control a person, organization, or situation by operating behind the scenes, as a puppeteer controls a marionette.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: idiomatic, intransitive, often

Qualifier: pull one's strings

Examples

  • We know who pulls the strings around here.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: none provided

Antonyms: none provided

3

verb

Meaning 3

influence or control shrewdly or deviously

Definition source: Princeton WordNet 3.0

Examples

  • He manipulated public opinion in his favor

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: manipulate, pull wires

Antonyms: none provided

Broader terms: influence, act upon, work

History

Etymology

Suggesting a puppet show, where characters are moved by pulling attached strings.

Across languages

Translations

13 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: faire jouer ses relations — to use one's influence with others
  • French: pistonner — to use one's influence with others
  • Korean: 빽을 쓰다 (ppaeg-eul sseuda) — to use one's influence with others
  • Korean: 연줄을 쓰다 (yeonjur-eul sseuda) — to use one's influence with others
  • Korean: 인맥을 쓰다 (inmaeg-eul sseuda) — to use one's influence with others
  • Māori: whakakawe — to use one's influence with others
  • Portuguese: mexer os pauzinhos — to use one's influence with others
  • French: tirer les ficelles — to control behind the scenes
  • German: die Fäden ziehen — to control behind the scenes
  • Norwegian Bokmål: trekke i trådene — to control behind the scenes
  • Polish: pociągać za sznurki — to control behind the scenes
  • Portuguese: manipular — to control behind the scenes
  • Russian: заправлять (zapravljatʹ) — to control behind the scenes