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]
(..) - Excuse me, sir? Howdy. - Hi. I love this place. How long have you been running this place? Well, uhm... How long's a piece of string? I don't know. Too goddamn long, that's how long. Too goddamn long, that's right. (..)2003 House of 1000 Corpses