pull wires
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Verb: - To exert influence or control over a situation or people, especially in a clever, secretive, or indirect way, often by using personal connections or behind-the-scenes power.
Usage and Examples
This verb describes the act of using one's influence, often through unofficial channels or personal networks, to achieve a desired outcome.
- Example 1:
- Example 2:
- Example 3:
Advanced Usage
- "pulling the wires": This gerund or continuous form emphasizes the ongoing action of exerting influence.
- The success of the project was due to her pulling the wires at the highest levels.
Variants and Related Words
- Wire-pulling (noun): The act or practice of exerting secret influence.
- The contract was awarded through political wire-pulling.
Synonyms
- Manipulate: To control or influence skillfully, often unfairly.
- Pull strings: To use one's influence, especially secretly (a very close synonym).
- Engineer: To arrange or plan skillfully and often deviously.
Related Idioms
- "Pull strings": This idiom is nearly identical in meaning and usage to "pull wires."
- His father pulled strings to get him an interview.
Verb
- influence or control shrewdly or deviously
- He manipulated public opinion in his favor