Refers to controlling something or someone like a puppet, either literally (puppetry) or figuratively (manipulation of people, events, or systems). Often used in compounds such as 操り人形 (puppet) or 操り糸 (puppet string).
He is said to be pulling the strings of politics behind the scenes.
The movements of a puppet are very delicate.
marionette manipulation; puppet control with strings
puppet; marionette
puppet show; puppet play
puppeteer
Japanese puppet theatre; ningyō jōruri
Derived from the verb 操る (あやつる, 'to manipulate, to operate'), which is of native Japanese origin. The noun form 操り is used in compounds and abstract senses.