to control something or someone secretly
контролировать что-то или кого-то тайно (kontrolirovat' chto-to ili kogo-to tayno)
"Everyone knows he’s pulling the strings behind the scenes."
"Все знают, что он тянет за ниточки за кулисами." (vse znayut, chto on **tyanyot za nitochki** za kulisami)
to block an area by using a rope or barrier
to be more advanced or innovative than others
to reverse the direction of events, especially to improve a...
a clever or innovative idea
after an unpleasant experience, you are careful to avoid it...
a very strong expression of gratitude
