Idioms for string

    on a/the string, Informal. subject to the whim of another; in one's power; dependent: After keeping me on a string for two months, they finally hired someone else.
    pull strings/wires,
    1. to use one's influence or authority, usually in secret, in order to bring about a desired result.
    2. to gain or attempt to gain one's objectives by means of influential friends, associates, etc.: He had his uncle pull strings to get him a promotion.

Origin of string

before 900; (noun) Middle English string, streng, Old English streng; cognate with Dutch streng, German Strang; akin to Latin stringere to bind; (v.) late Middle English stringen to string a bow, derivative of the noun

OTHER WORDS FROM string

string·less, adjective string·like, adjective re·string, verb, re·strung, re·string·ing.

British Dictionary definitions for string along (1 of 2)

string along

verb (adverb) informal

(intr often foll by with) to agree or appear to be in agreement (with)
(intr often foll by with) to accompany
Also: string on (tr) to deceive, fool, or hoax, esp in order to gain time

British Dictionary definitions for string along (2 of 2)

string
/ (strɪŋ) /

noun

verb strings, stringing or strung (strʌŋ)

Derived forms of string

stringlike, adjective

Word Origin for string

Old English streng; related to Old High German strang, Old Norse strengr; see strong

Idioms and Phrases with string along (1 of 2)

string along

1

Go along with someone, accompany or follow, as in I decided to string along with them, just to see what might happen. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]

2

Agree, as in We knew that three committee members would string along with us for now. [Colloquial; first half of 1900s]

3

string someone along. Keep someone waiting or in a state of uncertainty; also, fool or deceive someone. For example, We were stringing them along, hoping that we'd get a better offer, or She was in tears when she found out that he'd just been stringing her along. [Colloquial; c. 1900]

Idioms and Phrases with string along (2 of 2)

string