Okuzeka
Business English vocabulary · Office Idioms and Phrases

Pull strings

Meaning in business english, with examples

idiomAdvanced term

In business english, pull strings means: To use personal influence or contacts to arrange a favourable result.

In Turkish: tanıdıklarını kullanmak, nüfuz kullanmak

How it is used

Informal and sometimes disapproving. It suggests influence beyond the ordinary process, though the precise conduct depends on context.

Example sentences

  1. She managed to pull strings and arrange a meeting with the regional director at short notice.

    Personal influence secures access that might otherwise take longer.

  2. I will introduce you to the recruiter, but I cannot pull strings to guarantee an interview.

    A normal introduction is distinguished from influencing the selection process.

Common collocations

  • pull strings to arrange something
  • refuse to pull strings
  • networkingMeeting and talking to people in your industry, for example at conferences and events, to build useful professional relationships.
  • colleagueA person you work with, especially someone in the same company or the same profession as you.

More terms: Office Idioms and Phrases

Practise with graded reading

Reading at the right level is the fastest way to make new words stick. Pick free English books by level: