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pistonner

to pull strings for

verb pees-to-NEH Rare
People & Society Work

Also means

to fast-track (via connections)

Usage Note

Pistonner means to help someone get a job or position by using personal connections rather than merit — equivalent to 'getting someone in through the back door'. The noun piston carries the same sense: avoir du piston means 'to have connections'. It carries a mildly pejorative connotation of unfairness.

Examples

"Il a été pistonné pour obtenir ce poste."

Natural Translation

He had strings pulled to get that position.

Literal Translation

He was pull-strung to obtain this post.

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