Where did the phrase pull some strings come from?

pull strings, to

Where did the saying pull strings come from?

Someone who pulls strings controls a situation. The phrase pull strings may be traced to the 1860s, and refers to puppetry in use at the time that employed the use of pulling strings in order to make the puppets perform. Related phrases are pulls strings, pulled strings, pulling strings.

What does the idiom pull some strings mean?

Definition of pull the strings

: to control someone or something often in a secret way It turned out that his brother was the person pulling the strings behind the operation.

What is it called when you pull strings?

C2. to secretly use the influence you have over important people in order to get something or to help someone: I may be able to pull a few strings if you need the document urgently. SMART Vocabulary: related words and phrases.

Can you pull some strings?

To use the power or influence one has over others, especially people of importance, to get what one wants or to help someone else. I hear that the only reason Johnny got into college was because his dad pulled some strings with the president of the university.

What does put a cork in it mean?

Definition of put a cork in it

chiefly US, informal. —used as a rude way to tell someone to stop talking and especially to stop complaining Why don't you put a cork in it!

What is meaning at the drop of a hat?

Immediately, without delay, as in We were ready to pack our bags and go on vacation at the drop of a hat. This phrase probably alludes to signaling the start of a race or other contest by dropping a hat. [

What does pulled the plug mean?

1. Discontinue, end, as in The government pulled the plug on that program. [ First half of 1900s] 2. Remove all life-supporting equipment, as in The family debated whether it was time to pull the plug on him.

What is the meaning of pull strings I can pull strings and get you an invitation to the Academy Awards?

phrase. pull the strings phrase. DEFINITIONS1. to use your influence in order to get something that you want or to help someone, especially when this is unfair.

What does pull the string mean baseball?

(baseball) To throw an off-speed pitch, a change up, to cause the hitter to swing early and miss.

What does it mean to turn the tables on someone?

to do something to change a situation so that you gain an advantage over someone or cause them problems, following a time when they had the advantages or caused problems for you.

Who pulled your string?

In Who's Pulling Your Strings?, Dr. Harriet B. Braiker, New York Times bestselling author of The Disease to Please, explains how depression, low self-esteem, anger, and feelings of helplessness can be caused by relationships with manipulative people.

What does pulling at my heartstrings mean?

Definition of tug/pull at one's heartstrings

: to stir one's emotions That movie really tugs/pulls at your heartstrings.

What does it mean to cross that bridge when you come to it?

Definition of cross that bridge when one comes to it

: to not worry about a possible problem until it actually happens I don't know how we'll pay the bills if you quit your job, but we'll cross that bridge when we come to it.

What does stop beating around the bush mean?

to avoid giving a definite answer or position. Please stop beating around the bush and tell me the full story.

What does it mean to keep a clear head?

Definition of clear head

: the ability to think clearly This job requires someone with a clear head.

What does pull up mean?

intransitive verb. 1a : to check oneself. b : to come to an often abrupt halt : stop. 2 : to draw even with others in a race. Synonyms Example Sentences Learn More About pull-up.

What is the definition of put a sock in it?

Definition of put a sock in it

informal. —used to tell someone to stop talking I wish someone would tell him to put a sock in it.

What does taking something with a pinch of salt mean?

Definition of 'to take something with a pinch of salt'

If you take something with a pinch of salt, you do not believe that it is completely accurate or true. The more miraculous parts of this account should be taken with a pinch of salt.

What pull the rug means?

Remove all support and assistance from, usually suddenly. For example, Stopping his allowance pulled the rug out from under him, forcing him to look for a job. This metaphoric term alludes to pulling on a rug a person is standing on so that he or she falls. [

What does egg on your face mean?

Definition of with egg on one's face

: appearing foolish usually because something one said would happen has not happened The unexpected election result left a lot of journalists with egg on their faces.

What does ball in your court mean?

Definition of the ball is in one's court

: burdened with expectations or requirements for something What do you think we should do about the project? The ball is in your court.

What is the meaning of idiom a dime a dozen?

So plentiful as to be valueless. For example, Don't bother to buy one of these—they're a dime a dozen.

What does the saying all wet mean?

Completely wrong, mistaken, as in If you think you can beat the system and win at roulette, you're all wet. The original allusion in this expression is unclear, that is, how moisture or dampness is related to wrongness. [ Slang; first half of 1900s]

What does mean keep your nose to the grindstone?

Definition of keep one's nose to the grindstone

: to do hard, continuous work You'll do well at school if you just keep your nose to the grindstone.