That phrase comes from the idea of a puppet on strings. The person who controls the puppet does so by pulling on the strings to make things happen. (At least that's where I think the phrase originates.) Similarly, if someone 'pulls a few strings', they most likely used their power or position to make something happen - generally something that didn't seem possible at first. Let's say that I have a friend in the government, and I am trying to get a VISA. However, I am unable to get one. I could contact my friend in the government and ask "Hey, is there anything you can do to help me? Maybe pull a few strings and get me my VISA?" Here, I am assuming that my friend can use his power or position to help me out.