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]
(..) School, a noble institution. What would this stupid world be without-- Well, well, well! Stromboli! So that old rascal's back in town, eh? Remember, Gideon, the time l tied strings on you... and passed you off as a puppet? We nearly put one over on that old gypsy that time. A little wooden boy. (..)1940 Pinocchio
(..) And cute little music boxes, each one a work ofart. Shelfafter shelfoftoys and-- And then something else caught my eye. A puppet! You know, one ofthose marionette things, all strings and joints. Cute little fella. Ding, ding! Going up? Good piece ofwood too. Well, now. lt won't take much longer. (..)1940 Pinocchio