pull the strings
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Once England had worn down Japan, they introduced Smith on to the field to pull the strings against the tiring opposition in the latter stages.
From BBC • Sep. 19, 2023
"I think I know how to pull the strings to make things happen," he said.
From Reuters • Jul. 25, 2023
“They were just making it easier to pull the strings if they wanted to,” said Esther Dyson, one of two Americans who resigned from the board when the war started.
From New York Times • Jul. 6, 2022
Now, even as he loses power for a second time, opposition politicians and experts say he will continue to pull the strings.
From Washington Post • Oct. 11, 2021
How pleasant it was to pull the strings and see his puppets dance!
From Lippincott's Magazine of Popular Literature and Science Volume 17, No. 102, June, 1876 by Various