プログレッシブ和英中辞典(第4版)の解説
あやつる【操る】
❶〔人形を動かす〕
人形を操る
manipulate [work] a puppet ((by strings))
❷〔上手に扱う〕manage; handle; manipulate
舟の櫓(ろ)を操る
pull [manage] an oar
船を操る
manage [steer] a boat
馬を操る
handle [manage] one's horse
英語をうまく操る
He has a good command of English.／He can speak English fluently.
世論を操る
manipulate public opinion
❸〔背後から巧妙に動かす〕
彼は部下を思うままに操った
He had his men completely under control [his thumb].／He controlled his men like puppets on strings.
彼は実業界を操っている
He pulls the strings in the business world.