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]
(..) 'Cause I want you to work for me. I want you and your boys to work with Omar here. We are going to do... something big next month. We are running a string of muIes from CoIombia. You do good on that, there'II be some other things. That sounds Iike fun to me, Frank. You want a cigar? (..)1983 Scarface