pull strings
Use hidden influence
To pull strings is to use personal connections or behind-the-scenes influence to get something done: She pulled some strings to get her nephew the internship.
The image comes from puppetry—someone manipulating events from above while others appear to act independently.
A person who pulls strings is exerting hidden control over a situation.
leverage
Borrowed capital for amplified returns
- connectionsRelationships between things
- cloutInformal power or punch
- favorsPreferences or courtesies
backdoor · nepotism · patronage · kingmaker · fixer · insider · cronyism · networking · lobbying · backroom
- puppetryhand puppets, marionette, marionettes, puppeteers, puppeteering
- idiomstime flies, hit the sack, seize the day, ring a bell, break a leg
- Old Idiomsbeyond the pale, hue and cry, scot-free, knight in shining armor, eat humble pie
- power idiomshold sway, call the shots, throw weight around, power play, upper hand
- theaterplays, stage, play, onstage, acting
- Leadership idiomslead by example, take the reins, at the helm, call the shots, take charge
method of achieving outcomes
pull stringsplay by the rules
Follow accepted procedures
work one's way up · stand in line · wait one's turn · pay one's dues · follow the rules
pull, string, puppet, pulling, pulls, strings, pulled, manipulation, stringing