# pull strings

> English word · Verb

## Definitions
1. To manipulate a situation, especially by asking favours of others; to use one's influence with others to attain a desired goal.
2. To control a person, organization, or situation by operating behind the scenes, as a puppeteer controls a marionette.

## Etymology
Suggesting a puppet show, where characters are moved by pulling attached strings.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/pull-strings