to pull some strings幕后操纵
To manipulate a situation secretly, and possibly unethically, in order to accomplish a goal. (NOTE: a reference to strings that direct the movement of a puppet)
The wealthy old man thought he could pull some strings in order to get his incompetent nephew an important job with the company owned by his old friend.
这个富裕的老头以为可以通过幕后操纵,就可以让他无能的侄子得到其老朋友的公司的重要职位。