pull strings
pull strings or pull wires {v. phr.}, {informal}
To secretly use influence and power, especially with people in charge or in important jobs to do or get something; make use of friends to gain your wishes.
If you want to see the governor, Mr. Root can pull strings for you.
Jack pulled wires and got us a room at the crowded hotel.
- wire-puller {n.}
Bill got a ticket for speeding, but his father is a wire-puller and got it fixed.
- wire-pulling {n.}
It took some wire-pulling to get the mayor to come to the party.
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Source: A Dictionary of American Idioms