Pull Strings — Meaning, Usage & Examples

What it means...

To use personal connections or influence to get something done, especially unofficially.

When you pull strings, you use who you know rather than official channels to achieve a result.

It implies access to power or privilege that others don't have.

Use it when…

When someone uses a personal contact to skip a long waiting list
When a senior employee gets a favor done through a personal relationship
When a candidate gets a job due to connections rather than qualifications

Don’t confuse with...

"Work the System"

—

Using official rules and procedures cleverly, not personal connections

"Have Pull"

—

Having general influence or clout, not a specific act of using it

"Pull Strings"

—

Using personal relationships and unofficial influence to get specific results

Where you’ll hear it

You’ll hear the "Pull Strings" idiom in real life — at work, in relationships, or in the media.

Work & Business

Hiring / Interviews

Everyone knew he had pulled strings to get the internship — his uncle was on the board.

Relationships & Social Life

Friends

She managed to get a table at the fully booked restaurant by pulling strings with the owner.

Media & Everyday Life

News

The investigation found that major donors had pulled strings to influence the approval process.

‹›

Use it like this

Here’s how to use "Pull Strings" idiom naturally in real conversations, with real examples.

Work & Business

Office Conversations

Colleague

How did they get that permit approved so quickly?

You

Someone pulled strings — that process normally takes months.

Relationships

Honest conversations

Friend

I got us backstage passes for the show.

You

How? It sold out in minutes! Did you pull strings?

Everyday Conversations

Opinions

Friend

Do you think she got the role on merit alone?

You

Honestly? I think someone pulled strings for her.

‹›

Last updated:

April 20, 2026

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