pull strings from behind the scenes ❍ 有人～，就有人想登台表演一番。Some people are sure to strive to take the stage and perform so long as there is someone pulling the strings. ❍ 至如萧何，发纵指示，功人也。(《汉书·萧何传》)As for Xiao He,he manipulated from behind the scenes. Therefore he is a meritorious man.
发踪指示fā zōnɡ zhǐ shì
指示：唆使。发现野兽踪迹，就唆使猎狗追杀。比喻在幕后指挥操纵。pull the strings, pull wires behind the scenes