Quick answer: “Pull Strings” means to use personal influence or connections to get something done.
Pull strings — to use personal influence, contacts, or behind-the-scenes power to achieve a result or help someone, often bypassing normal procedures or rules.
Origin & History
The idiom derives from the image of a puppeteer pulling the strings of a marionette to control its movements. The audience sees the puppet moving; they do not see the puppeteer above, invisibly directing everything. Applied metaphorically, "pulling strings" means influencing events or people from behind the scenes without openly showing your hand.
The figurative use of "pull strings" entered English in the 19th century and became widespread in political journalism. It is related to the expressions "no strings attached" and "the puppetmaster", all drawing on the same puppet metaphor. Today it is used to describe networking, nepotism, lobbying, and the exercise of informal influence. Idioms like this are the kind of expression documented in general reference works such as the Cambridge Dictionary, which record how figurative meanings develop in everyday English.
Example Sentences
| Sentence | Context |
|---|---|
| Her father pulled strings to get her an interview at the top law firm. | Career / nepotism |
| He admitted that he had to pull strings to get the planning permission approved so quickly. | Business / bureaucracy |
| The senator was accused of pulling strings to secure a government contract for his brother's company. | Politics |
| I don't want to pull strings — I'd rather get the job on my own merits. | Workplace integrity |
| She knew someone at the embassy and was able to pull strings to fast-track the visa. | Official process |
| Behind the scenes, it was clear that someone was pulling strings — the decision seemed too convenient. | Hidden influence |
Use It in Conversation
Dialogue Example
Sam: How did they manage to get a table at that restaurant? It's booked out for months.
Nina: Apparently Marcus knows the owner personally. He pulled a few strings.
Sam: Nice to have connections like that. I'd have given up and gone somewhere else!
How to Use It
"Pull strings" is used as a verb phrase: "pull strings", "pulled strings", "pulling strings". It is often followed by "to + verb" to explain the purpose: "pull strings to get the contract". The phrase can also appear as "pull a few strings" when the influence used is described as modest or informal. It often carries a mildly negative or ironic tone when it implies unfairness.
Common Mistakes
Mistakes to Avoid
She had to pull the string to get the promotion.
She had to pull strings to get the promotion. — Always use the plural "strings", never the singular.
He pulled wires to get the visa approved.
He pulled strings to get the visa approved. — The fixed word is "strings", not "wires" or "ropes".
Similar Idioms
Practise This Idiom
Want to understand the grammar behind this? Explore our Grammar guides.
Quick Check: Pull Strings
2 questions — test what you just learned.
1. What does “Pull Strings” mean?
2. Complete the sentence: “He admitted that he had to _____ to get the planning permission approved so quickly.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "pull strings" mean?
"Pull strings" means to use personal influence, contacts, or power to achieve something or help someone, often bypassing the usual rules or procedures. It implies that the person has hidden connections they can activate.
Where does "pull strings" come from?
The idiom comes from puppetry. A puppeteer controls a marionette by pulling the strings attached to its limbs, making it move without the audience seeing who is in control. The figurative use emerged in the 19th century to describe people who control events from behind the scenes.
Can you give an example of "pull strings" in a sentence?
Example: "Her father pulled strings to get her an interview at the top law firm." The idiom implies that the outcome was achieved through personal connections rather than merit alone.
Is "pull strings" formal or informal?
"Pull strings" is neutral to slightly informal. It is used in journalism, political commentary, and everyday conversation. It often carries a mildly negative connotation, suggesting that normal rules were bypassed.
What CEFR level is "pull strings"?
This idiom is typically introduced at B2 (Upper-Intermediate) level. It is commonly encountered in British newspaper journalism and political writing, where it describes the use of behind-the-scenes influence.
What are common mistakes with "pull strings"?
A common error is saying "pull the strings" when you mean general influence. "Pull strings" (without an article) means to use influence generally, while "pull the strings" more specifically means to be the person secretly in control. Both are correct but have slightly different meanings.
What idioms are similar to "pull strings"?
Similar expressions include "use your connections" (informal), "have friends in high places" (have influential contacts), and "pull rank" (use your higher status to get something done). The related idiom "no strings attached" comes from the same puppet metaphor but means the opposite.
How do I practise idioms like "pull strings"?
Try LexFizz's Flip Tiles and Flash Cards. Write sentences about situations involving networking or using personal contacts, and use the idiom naturally within them.
Can "pull strings" be used in writing?
Yes. It is very common in newspaper articles, political commentary, and biographical writing. It is also used in fiction when a character achieves something through behind-the-scenes influence.
Is "pull strings" used the same way in British and American English?
Yes, the idiom is used in the same way in both varieties of English. It is widely understood across all English-speaking countries.