The company has relied on government support, but the government is now threatening to 'cut the apron strings'. [=to stop providing support]
He's generous, but there are always 'strings attached'. [=he always expects something in return for what he gives to people]
He really loved her but she was just 'stringing' him 'along'. [=making him think that she loved him so she could use him]
(..) I will miss you buddy. I think I want to write a song about all this. Except one of the strings on my guitar is broken. Chandler, can I borrow your G-string? - How long you been waiting to say that? - About minutes! Can't you see what's going on here? This man is dying! Cut! (..)1996 TvShow: Friends Title: The One After the Superbowl: Part 1 Season: 2 Episode 12