to manipulate a superior to issue orders in their name; to control someone in authority from behind the scenes.
在这个项目中，虽然表面上是部门经理在做决定，但实际上是他的助理在背后挟主行令，掌控着所有关键环节。
In this project, although the department manager appeared to be making the decisions, it was actually his assistant who was manipulating the leadership behind the scenes, controlling all key aspects.
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