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'm humbly sorry. Three times. Let me just get this straight. Elliott and I offer to pay for your treatment... ...no strings attached. An offer which still stands, by the way. And you turn us down out of pride, whatever... ...and then you tell your wife that in (..)2009 TvShow: Breaking Bad Title: Peekaboo Season: 2 Episode 6