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]
(..) that very few oilmen can understand. I'm fixed like no other company in this field and that's because my Coyote Hills well has just come in. I have a string of tools all ready to put to work. I can load a rig onto trucks and have them here in a week. I have business connections, (..)2007 There Will Be Blood