string puller
Behind-the-scenes controller
A string puller is someone who exerts hidden influence or control, like a puppeteer manipulating marionettes from above.
The term suggests power exercised behind the scenes rather than openly: The real string pullers in this town never run for office.
Often carries a slightly sinister connotation of manipulation or conspiracy.
- puppeteerPerformer controlling jointed figures
- puppet masterOne controlling figures backstage
- mastermindScheme's chief planner
- manipulatorOne who controls cunningly
- controllerDevice directing a system
backstage · shadow · shadow government · influence · schemer · backroom deal · power broker · power behind the throne · handler · operator · wire · orchestrator · kingmaker · gray eminence · behind the scenes · hidden hand · invisible hand · mover
- power brokerspowerbroker, kingpin, kingmakers, puppeteer, kingmaker
- shadow powerpuppet master, puppeteer, kingmaker, power broker, gray eminence
- influencersinfluencer, influencers, content creator, PewDiePie, Instagram influencers
- political operativescampaign manager, strategist, political consultant, campaign aide, political advisor
- orchestratorsorchestrator, mastermind, coordinator, organizer, arranger
string pullerpuppet
Controlled performing figure
marionette · figurehead · pawn · stooge · front man
string pullerfigurehead
Nominal leader, no authority
front man · puppet leader · titular head · mouthpiece · spokesperson
string, pull, strings, puller, pullers, stringed, stringing, stringy, pulled