挾天子以令諸侯 [挟－－－－诸－]

Jyutping hip6 tin1 zi2 ji5 ling6 zyu1 hau4
Pinyin xié tiān zǐ yǐ lìng zhū hóu

Definitions (CC-CEDICT)
  1. (expr.) hold the feudal overlord and you control his vassals
Definitions (Wiktionary)
  1. phrase, figuratively
    to assume de facto control of the de jure legitimate government; to be the power behind the throne; to be the éminence grise
  2. phrase
    to control the emperor to command the nobles