pulling strings
Using hidden connections
Pulling strings is using influence or connections behind the scenes to get what you want, often bypassing normal procedures.
The image comes from puppetry—someone invisible controls the action.
She pulled some strings to get her nephew the internship.
The phrase often carries a whiff of unfairness, suggesting access others don't have.
- manipulateControl through clever influence
- connectionsRelationships between things
- intercedeIntervene on behalf
- swayRock back and forth
- political maneuveringStrategic power-seeking tactics
patronage · clout · machination · networking · lobbying · backroom deals · back channels · leverage · quid pro quo · puppet master · advocacy · influence · exploitation · orchestration · power broker · control · cunning · old boys' network
- figurative actionsburning bridges, biting tongue, burying hatchet, cutting ties, jumping ship
- puppetryhand puppet, hand puppets, puppet shows, puppet show, marionette
- cunningcunning, craftiness, crafty, guile, slyness
- power metaphorsiron fist, iron grip, reins, puppet master, stranglehold
- maneuveringmaneuvering, positioning, steering, repositioning, pivoting
- Hierarchy termspecking order, junior, chain of command, secondary, totem pole