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]
(..) as someone eIse I know. Who? Me. Ah, you made it. You bet your Iife, you big, taII string bean. Here. PaoIo here to save the day. Genovia The land l call my home Genovia, Genovia (..)2001 The Princess Diaries
(..) LORD JEROME/ Genovians, you know... are famous for their impeccable taste in art. AIso for their cheese. Maybe it's string cheese. Don't do this, baby. Unh! Gotcha! Oh! MlA/ Sorry, Mr. Robutusen! (..)2001 The Princess Diaries