Synonyms for pull strings

Grammar : Verb

Spell : string

Phonetic Transcription : strɪŋ

Top 10 synonyms for pull strings

Other synonyms for the word pull strings

Définition of pull strings

Origin : Old English streng "line, cord, thread," from Proto-Germanic *strangiz (cf. Old Norse strengr, Danish streng, Middle Dutch strenge, Dutch streng, Old High German strang, German Strang "rope, cord"), from *strang- "taut, stiff," from PIE root *strenk- "tight, narrow; pull tight, twist" (see strain). Gradually restricted by early Middle English to lines that are smaller than a rope. Sense of "a number of objects arranged in a line" first recorded late 15c.
Old English meaning "ligaments, tendons" is preserved in hamstring, heartstrings. Meaning "limitations, stipulations" (1888) is American English, probably from the common April Fool's joke of leaving a purse that looks full of money on the sidewalk, then tugging it away with an attached string when someone stoops to pick it up. To pull strings "control the course of affairs" (1860) is from the notion of puppet theater. First string, second string, etc. in athletics (1863) is from archers' custom of carrying spare bowstrings in the event that one breaks. Strings "stringed instruments" is attested from mid-14c. String bean is from 1759; string bikini is from 1974.

As in influence : verb lead to believe, do
As in lobby : verb press for political action
As in machinate : verb maneuver, plot
As in manage : verb accomplish
As in maneuver : verb plan, scheme
As in manipulate : verb change to suit one's desire
As in operate : verb manage, use
As in order : verb command, authorize
As in preside : verb be in authority
As in run : verb manage, supervise
As in one-up : verb trump
As in administer : verb manage an organization or effort
As in engineer : verb devise; bring about
As in favor : verb pamper, reward; help
As in finesse : verb maneuver, manipulate
As in fix : verb manipulate, influence an event
As in govern : verb take control; rule

Example sentences :

After some anxious thought he decided that it was his duty to try to pull strings.
Extract from : « December Love » by Robert Hichens

It's the only way; you're too drunk to pull strings with that pardner o' yours, and we're goin' to stand by you, see?
Extract from : « The Helpers » by Francis Lynde

They hop with the most confident air, and day after day pull strings out of the ground.
Extract from : « Cornell Nature-Study Leaflets » by Various

And the first thing to do was to assume direction of the police, to pull strings, to engineer matters.
Extract from : « The Borough Treasurer » by Joseph Smith Fletcher

She was still able to pull strings, and to make her influence felt in various directions.
Extract from : « The Magnificent Montez » by Horace Wyndham

I want to pull strings, even for somebody else, or be Princetonian chairman or Triangle president.
Extract from : « This Side of Paradise » by F. Scott Fitzgerald

Antonyms for pull strings

Based on : Thesaurus.com - Gutenberg.org - Dictionary.com - Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019