string attached
Noun
A condition, catch, limitation, caveat, restriction, or requirement
Usage- idiomatic
- in-plural
- Examples
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I'll get you that new video game that you want so badly, but there's a string attached; you must also clean your room at least once a week.
They were advertising free television sets, but there were a lot of strings attached.
More examples (1)
As I write this, drivers' union ASLEF has announced yet another series of one-day strikes, because ministers are stupidly insisting that the modest below-inflation pay rise they have offered drivers still comes with strings attached over working conditions.
Word forms
strings attached