Cool MateControl vs Not afraid to pull strings
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Control
Top 1,000 (very common)A2noun
Not afraid to pull strings
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most common: Control
| Control | Not afraid to pull strings | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kənˈtrəʊl/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kənˈtrəʊl/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //nɒt əˈfreɪd tə pʊl strɪŋz//🇺🇸 //nɑt əˈfreɪd tə pʊl strɪŋz// |
| Meaning | To have power over something or someone. | Not scared to use influence or connections to get what you want. |
| Example | She learned how to take control of the situation during the meeting. | She's not afraid to pull strings when it comes to getting the promotion she wants. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | A2 | - |
| Part of speech | noun | |
| Collocations | absolute, complete, full, have, achieve, assert, freak, beyond your control, outside your control, in control (of), circumstances beyond somebody’s control, absolute, complete, full, have, achieve, assert, freak, beyond your control, outside your control, in control (of), circumstances beyond somebody’s control, strict, stringent, tight, implement, impose, introduce, control on, remote, volume, cruise, take, panel, device, stick, at the controls | pull strings in business, not afraid to pull strings, pull strings for someone, use connections to pull strings, willing to pull strings |
| Antonyms | lose, surrender, release | - |
| Common mistakes | 'Control' is sometimes confused with 'manage' although 'manage' implies more overall organization., Learners may use 'control' with reflexive pronouns incorrectly, e.g., 'control myself' instead of just 'control'., Misusing 'control' in a physical sense, like 'control the ball' instead of 'handle the ball'. | Confusing with 'pull the strings' which means controlling something subtly., Using it in overly serious contexts where a lighter tone is needed., Misunderstanding the degree of influence; it doesn't always imply negative intent. |
| Usage notes | Use 'control' when talking about managing situations or people's behavior. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations as it may imply dominance. | This phrase is often used in contexts involving politics or business. It's usually informal, but can also appear in serious discussions. Avoid in very formal settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Control vs Not afraid to pull strings
What's the difference between Control and Not afraid to pull strings?
Control: To have power over something or someone. Not afraid to pull strings: Not scared to use influence or connections to get what you want.
Which is more common: Control and Not afraid to pull strings?
Control is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Control: She learned how to take control of the situation during the meeting. Not afraid to pull strings: She's not afraid to pull strings when it comes to getting the promotion she wants.
Can I use Control and Not afraid to pull strings interchangeably?
Not always. Control and Not afraid to pull strings are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.