pull the strings

US /pʊl ðə strɪŋz/
UK /pʊl ðə strɪŋz/
"pull the strings" picture
1.

操纵, 控制

to control a situation or people, often secretly or indirectly

:
It's clear that someone powerful is pulling the strings behind the scenes.
很明显,有权势的人在幕后操纵
She's always been the one to pull the strings in her family.
她一直是家里操纵一切的人。