Definition

1. Verb:
   • To pull the strings: To secretly control or manipulate someone or a situation, causing others to act according to one's will, often from behind the scenes.
   • To be the puppet master: To be the hidden force directing events or people's actions.

Usage Examples

• Verb:
  • Mọi người đều biết ông ấy mới là người giật dây đằng sau vụ bê bối đó. (Everyone knows he was the one pulling the strings behind that scandal.)
  • Cô ta không trực tiếp ra lệnh, mà chỉ âm thầm giật dây thôi. (She doesn't give orders directly; she just secretly pulls the strings.)
  • Ai đang giật dây cho nhóm phản đối này? (Who is the puppet master for this protest group?)

Advanced Usage

• "kẻ giật dây": The puppet master; the string-puller (used as a noun phrase to describe the person controlling things).
  • Cảnh sát đang tìm kiếm kẻ giật dây vụ tấn công. (The police are looking for the puppet master behind the attack.)

Variants and Related Words

• Giật (verb): To jerk, to pull suddenly, to snatch.
• Dây (noun): String, cord, wire.
• Giật dây giật nhợ (idiomatic phrase): A variant emphasizing persistent, behind-the-scenes manipulation.
  • Suốt ngày chỉ biết giật dây giật nhợ, không dám ra mặt. (All day long, they just pull strings from the shadows, not daring to show their face.)

Synonyms

• Điều khiển ngầm: To control secretly.
• Thao túng: To manipulate.
• Chỉ đạo ngầm: To direct covertly.

Related Idioms

• Ngồi mát ăn bát vàng: To reap great benefits without doing much work (often implies someone else is doing the hard work, possibly under manipulation).
  • Hắn ta cứ ngồi mát ăn bát vàng, chắc có người giật dây rồi. (He just sits back and reaps the rewards; surely someone is pulling the strings.)

Notes on Meaning

The term "giật dây" is a metaphor derived from puppetry, where the puppeteer controls a marionette by pulling its strings. It always carries a negative connotation, implying deceit, hidden control, and manipulation. It is not used for open, legitimate leadership or guidance.