Pociągać za sznurki
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What it means
Literally “to pull the strings.” Just like in a puppet theater, this refers to someone who exerts influence or control over a situation from behind the scenes. It implies that the people visibly “acting” are merely puppets for the person holding the strings.
Vocabulary
- pociągać — to pull / tug / attract
- sznurek — string / cord
- marionetka — puppet
Grammar note
The preposition 'za' in the sense of "pulling by something" takes the accusative case. 'Sznurki' is the accusative plural.
Cultural context
This is frequently used in Polish political journalism to describe "układy" (shady networks) or influential figures who don't hold official office.
Intermediate
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