string pulling
Covert influence exertion
String pulling is the use of personal connections or behind-the-scenes influence to get what you want—a favor, a job, a special arrangement.
The image comes from puppetry: someone unseen controls the action by manipulating strings.
To pull strings is to leverage relationships with powerful people: She pulled some strings to get her nephew the internship.
The person doing it is a string puller.
- manipulationUnderhanded control of others
- puppet masterOne controlling figures backstage
- puppetControlled performing figure
- marionetteString-controlled theatrical figure
- hidden handCovert controlling influence
influence · power broker · control · backstage · scheming · smoke and mirrors · favor · connections · wire · tug · yank · tension · pluck · bow · violin · guitar · thread · leverage
- manipulationgaslighting, guilt tripping, blame-shifting, brainwashing, guilt trip
- shadow powerpuppet master, puppeteer, kingmaker, power broker, gray eminence
- influence peddlinginfluence peddling, backscratching, quid pro quo, kickbacks, payoffs
- corruptioncorruption, graft, kickbacks, bribery, bribes
- favoritismfavoritism, nepotism, cronyism, partiality, preferential treatment
- patronagepolitical patronage, patrons, benefactors, sponsors, donors
string pullingdirect action
Confrontational political tactics
frontal assault · plain dealing · cards on the table · straight talk · public advocacy
string pullingmeritocracy
Advancement through demonstrated ability
fair play · due process · level playing field · integrity · ethical conduct
string, pull, strings, stringed, stringing, stringy, stringer, pulls, pulled