Answer: pullstrings

AnswerCrossword Clue
PULLSTRINGSUse one's influence
PULLSTRINGSUse one's influence secretly
PULLSTRINGSEmulate a puppeteer?
PULLSTRINGSExert one's influence
PULLSTRINGSPuppeteer
PULLSTRINGSControl, for a dentist?
PULLSTRINGSWork out at the Fender factory?