pull the strings
US /pʊl ðə strɪŋz/
UK /pʊl ðə strɪŋz/

1.
mengendalikan, mengatur
to control a situation or people, often secretly or indirectly
:
•
It's clear that someone powerful is pulling the strings behind the scenes.
Jelas bahwa seseorang yang berkuasa sedang mengendalikan di balik layar.
•
She's always been the one to pull the strings in her family.
Dia selalu menjadi orang yang mengendalikan dalam keluarganya.