Pulls strings' is an idiom that means to have influence or control over a situation. The term can be broken down into three words: 'pulls, ' 'strings, ' and 'relaces, ' 'plucks, ' and 'strums.' 'Relaces' means to tie or fasten something together, 'plucks' means to pluck or pick something, and 'strums' means to play a stringed instrument. Together, these words suggest that someone has the power to influence or control a situation by tying things together, picking or choosing certain elements, and playing a stringed instrument.