THE IDIOM COLLECTION LEARN & PRACTISE
Pull strings
Understand the meaning. See it in context. Make it yours.
01 / UNDERSTAND
Meaning in plain English
To use personal influence or important contacts to obtain something or help someone.
02 / SEE IT IN CONTEXT
The expression in a sentence
- He asked whether anyone could pull strings to get an extra invitation.
03 / CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING
Quick idiom quiz
Try the question without looking back, then write a sentence of your own. You can retry as often as you like.
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Can you recall the expression?
Complete the example using the expression from this lesson.
He asked whether anyone could ________ to get an extra invitation.
Show the answer
Pull strings — To use personal influence or important contacts to obtain something or help someone.
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Make it yours
Write one sentence using “Pull strings” about your own life.
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Does your sentence match this meaning?
To use personal influence or important contacts to obtain something or help someone.
Compare: He asked whether anyone could pull strings to get an extra invitation.
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More ways to understand and use it
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When to use it
Use it when informal connections influence an outcome. It is conversational and can suggest special treatment rather than a normal process.
More examples in context
- I do not want anyone to pull strings for my application.
- She knew people at the theatre and managed to pull a few strings for us.
Usage note
“Pull a few strings” is common. “Pull the strings” can instead mean secretly control events or people, so the article changes the emphasis.
A short conversation
A: Can your uncle get you into that course?
B: I would rather apply normally than ask him to pull strings.
A: That sounds fair to the other applicants.
One more practice question
Which action involves pulling strings?
A. Using an influential contact to obtain special access.
B. Following the same ordinary application procedure as everyone else.
Check your answer
A. Personal influence is being used to obtain an advantage.
Related lessons
Meaning and usage checked against Cambridge Dictionary. Explanations, examples and conversation are original.