pull the strings
• be in control of events or of other people's actions.
• "it's uncomfortable to know that someone else is pulling the strings"
Similar:
manage,
direct,
control,
operate,
regulate,
conduct,
handle,
run,
orchestrate,
organize,
supervise,
superintend,
oversee,
preside over,
boss,
be the boss of,
govern,
rule,
administer,
lead,
head,
guide,
steer,
pilot,
exercise control over,
be in control of,
be in charge of,
be in command of,
take care of,
look after,
be responsible for,
be at the helm of,
hold sway over,
head up,
call the shots,
call the tune,
run the show,
be in the driving seat,
be in the saddle,
pull strings
• make use of one's influence and contacts to gain an advantage unofficially or unfairly.
• "he tried to pull strings with people he knew to avoid being called up"
