(idiomatic, intransitive) To manipulate a situation, especially by asking favours of others; to use one's influence with others to attain a desired goal.
(idiomatic, intransitive, often) To control a person, organization, or situation by operating behind the scenes, as a puppeteer controls a marionette.
Etimologia (Anglès)
Suggesting a puppet show, where characters are moved by pulling attached strings.