牵线 (qiān xiàn) — to pull strings/wires (literally, e.g., puppetry or fishing); to act as a go-between (matchmaking or arranging deals); to pull strings (influence)

Definition

Examples

• 他提线木偶时熟练地牵线，观众都很惊讶。
  Tā tí xiàn mù ǒu shí shú liàn de qiān xiàn, guān zhòng dōu hěn jīng yà.
  When he manipulated the marionette, he skillfully pulled the strings, and the audience was amazed.
• 这次合作是他牵的线，我们才能和那家公司签约。
  Zhè cì hé zuò shì tā qiān de xiàn, wǒ men cái néng hé nà jiā gōng sī qiān yuē.
  This cooperation was thanks to his introduction; that's why we could sign a contract with that company.
• 他们希望通过一个共同的熟人牵线，促成这次联姻。
  Tā men xī wàng tōng guò yí gè gòng tóng de shú rén qiān xiàn, cù chéng zhè cì lián yīn.
  They hope to arrange this marriage through a mutual acquaintance who will act as a go-between.