string-puller
Hidden influence wielder
A string-puller is someone who controls events or people from behind the scenes, like a puppeteer manipulating marionettes.
The term implies hidden influence—exercising power without being publicly responsible: The real string-pullers in this administration never appear on camera.
Often carries a note of suspicion or conspiracy.
String-controlled theatrical figure
- puppeteerPerformer controlling jointed figures
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- controlAuthority to direct
- theaterVenue for live drama
performance · wooden · articulation · crossbar · mechanism · animator · operator · master
Private space for dealings
- lobbyistPaid legislative influencer
- kingmakerPolitical influence wielder
- powerbrokerWielder of political influence
- influencePower to affect others
manipulation · behind-the-scenes · operative · fixer · handler · dealmaker · schemer · maneuvering
Senior organizational leader
- boardroomCorporate decision venue
- stakeholderParty with an interest
- CEOTop corporate officer
- shareholderEquity owner in corporation
decision-maker · controller · mogul · magnate · dealmaker · networker · gatekeeper · rainmaker
marionette
String-controlled theatrical figure
- puppeteerPerformer controlling jointed figures
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- controlAuthority to direct
theater · performance · wooden · articulation · crossbar · mechanism · animator · operator · master · Pinocchio
backroom
Private space for dealings
- lobbyistPaid legislative influencer
- kingmakerPolitical influence wielder
- powerbrokerWielder of political influence
influence · manipulation · behind-the-scenes · operative · fixer · handler · dealmaker · schemer · maneuvering · patronage
executive
Senior organizational leader
- boardroomCorporate decision venue
- stakeholderParty with an interest
- CEOTop corporate officer
shareholder · decision-maker · controller · mogul · magnate · dealmaker · networker · gatekeeper · rainmaker · funder
- power brokerspowerbroker, kingpin, kingmakers, puppeteer, kingmaker
- bigwigsbigwig, big shot, big wig, VIP, big kahuna
string-pullerfigurehead
Nominal leader, no authority
puppet · front man · stooge · pawn · mouthpiece
string-pullerfollower
One who supports another
instrument · rank and file · dupe · victim · puppet
string, pull, puller, strings, stringed, stringing, stringy, pulls, pulled