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Meaning & use

string attached

phrase·Everydayinformalfigurative

Last updated

UK/ˌstrɪŋ əˈtætʃt/
US/ˌstrɪŋ əˈtætʃt/

“string attached” is a form of “string”. See that entry for the full set of meanings.

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phraseinformalfigurative

    A condition or obligation that comes with an offer, gift, or agreement, often not stated clearly at first.

    Grammar: Almost always plural: 'strings attached'. Used after 'no', 'with', or 'without'.

    Patterns

    • no strings attached
    • with strings attached
    • without strings attached

    The scholarship comes with no strings attached; you can study whatever you like.

    He accepted the loan, not realizing there were strings attached.

    They offered free tickets, but there were strings attached: we had to appear in a photo shoot.

  2. phrasefixed phraseinformalfigurative

    Used to describe help or money given freely, with no expectation of anything in return.

    Grammar: Usually in the phrase 'no strings attached'.

    Patterns

    • help with no strings attached
    • give something with no strings attached

    She offered to babysit with no strings attached, just to be kind.

    The charity provides food with no strings attached.

Common combinations

no strings attached
The offer is completely free, with no strings attached.
with strings attached
The grant came with strings attached, including strict reporting rules.
without strings attached
They want to fund the project without strings attached.
come with strings attached
Be careful: that kind of deal often comes with strings attached.

Synonyms and how they differ

conditions
A direct, neutral word for the requirements; 'strings attached' is more figurative and informal.
catch
Informal and often suggests a hidden problem; 'strings attached' focuses on obligations.

Opposites

no strings attachedunconditional

Word family

string noun
A thin cord; in this idiom it stands for a hidden condition.

Commonly confused: string attached or attached?

string attached vs attached

On its own, 'attached' means joined or connected; in this phrase it means the conditions are linked to the offer.

Practice

The donation was generous, but it came with ___ attached: the money had to be spent on new computers only.

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