idioms using “string”

Have someone on a string

To make someone wait a long time for an answer

“The company has had her on a string for over a year now about this possible promotion.”

Control the purse strings

To control the money

“Don’t waste your time pleading with Ando-san for a raise; he doesn’t control the purse strings.”

String out

To make something last too long

“The lawsuit could string out over a number of years.”

No strings attached

No additional special demands or limits

“The researcher was given a large government grant to pursue his research with no strings attached.”

Pull strings

To use one’s influence to make something happen

“The hotel had been booked for weeks but Mariko-san’s father pulled some strings and got us a room.”