What is the origin of the idiom "pull strings" and when to use it?

The idiom "pull strings" originates from the world of puppetry, where puppeteers manipulate puppets by pulling on strings or wires attached to them to make them move and perform. In a figurative sense, to "pull strings" means to use one's influence, often behind the scenes, to make things happen or to achieve a desired outcome, just as a puppeteer controls the actions of a puppet. This idiom is commonly used to describe using one's connections, power, or influence to accomplish a goal or sway a decision.