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