Translation guide
The English idiom 'pull strings' means to use one's influence or connections, often secretly, to get something done or to help someone. This guide covers natural Japanese ways to express this idea, from common phrases to more specific or formal expressions.
The speaker uses their personal connections or influence, often behind the scenes, to achieve a desired outcome.
A very common and natural way to say 'pull strings' in casual and business contexts. 'コネ' comes from 'connection' and implies using personal relationships to get an advantage.
He pulled strings to get that job.
You can't get into that university without pulling strings.
Literally 'to turn one's hand', this means to make arrangements behind the scenes, often by contacting influential people. It implies discreet maneuvering.
A Japanese business term meaning to lay the groundwork or build consensus informally before a formal decision. It's a form of pulling strings through prior consultation.
A more formal way to say 'use one's network of contacts'. It emphasizes the human connections rather than secret deals.
Literally 'backstage maneuvering', this has a stronger nuance of underhanded or secret dealings. Use with caution as it can sound negative.
Both mean 'pull strings', but コネを使う focuses on using personal connections, while 手を回す emphasizes the act of making arrangements discreetly. コネ is more casual and commonly used in everyday speech.
He got into the company by pulling strings (using connections).
Thanks to him pulling strings, the paperwork was finished quickly.
The president pulled strings to make the deal happen.
I pulled strings before the meeting, so the proposal was accepted smoothly.
He pulled strings using his extensive network to launch a new project.
He pulled strings behind the scenes to bring down his rival.
The department head pulled strings for me (made arrangements).
Do not translate 'pull strings' literally as 糸を引く (ito o hiku). That phrase means 'to pull a string' physically or 'to manipulate from behind the scenes' in a puppet-master sense, which is different from using influence to help someone.