pull strings

Meaning

This idiom means to use your personal connections, secret influence, or political power to get something done or to obtain an advantage, often unfairly. It comes from the imagery of a puppeteer controlling a puppet with strings.

Examples

• She had to pull strings with the hiring manager to get her nephew an interview.

  She had to pull strings with the hiring manager to get her nephew an interview.

• I don't like asking for favors, but I might have to pull some strings to get this permit approved.

  I don't like asking for favors, but I might have to pull some strings to get this permit approved.

• He didn't have the qualifications, but his father pulled strings to get him the job.

  He didn't have the qualifications, but his father pulled strings to get him the job.

• They managed to get front-row tickets because their friend pulled strings at the venue.

  They managed to get front-row tickets because their friend pulled strings at the venue.

• You can't just expect me to pull strings for you every time you miss a deadline.

  You can't just expect me to pull strings for you every time you miss a deadline.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ He pulled the ropes to get his son into the university.

  ✓ He pulled strings to get his son into the university.

  The idiom specifically uses 'strings', not 'ropes'.

• ✗ I can pull strings to you if you need a promotion.

  ✓ I can pull strings for you if you need a promotion.

  You pull strings 'for' someone, not 'to' someone.

Related Expressions

Practice

• My uncle is a director there, so he might be able to ___ to get you an interview.

  💡 Use personal influence.

  Show answer

  pull strings

• She didn't want to ___ to get the promotion; she wanted to earn it on merit.

  💡 Use secret connections or favors.

  Show answer

  pull strings