manipulate vs pull strings

manipulate and pull strings both are verbs.

Word	Noun	Adjective	Verb	Adverb
manipulate	No	No	Yes	No
pull strings	No	No	Yes	No

As verbs, manipulate and pull strings are synonyms defined as:

Other synonyms of manipulate include pull wires.

manipulate (verb)	pull strings (verb)
treat manually, as with massage, for therapeutic purposed	influence or control shrewdly or deviously
hold something in one's hands and move it
maintain influence over (others or oneself) skillfully, usually to one's advantage
manipulate in a fraudulent manner
influence or control shrewdly or deviously
tamper, with the purpose of deception