To control or influence the outcome of events in any given
situation or setting by nefarious or conciliatory means. To be the ‘puppet master’. To ensure a desired outcome within an event by controlling or directing the actions of others (whether through an
individual or a tertiary
party) usually while one’s direct involvement is veiled or ambiguous to outsiders.
"So, hey Brett, are you getting that new funding for your department?"
"Hopefully. I've been pushing some things under the
table, it should all pan out in the end"
"
Wow, so you really '
Karl Rove'd it', huh?"
"Oh, yeah."