What is this word???

[Buttonstoo]

I understand what a 'svengali' is. (e.g. Simon Cowell is often refered to as a Music 'Svengali')

But how do you spell it? I can't find it in a dictionary!? Possibly because I am wa off the mark with my supposed spelling, lol!!

[SteveD]

Have a read here:

http://www.randomhouse.com/wotd/index.pperl?date=19981105

[Peter Pedant]

and good, they almost got it in....

when you use Svengali - remember to add the context - puppet master....

[jno]

your spelling is fine, but your dictionaries aren't up to scratch

[bondy]

Svengali was a character in a book by George du Maurier. He was an older man with a young girlfriend who he completely controlled by not allowing her to do anything for herself.. When she wanted to leave she wasnt able to cope so she couldnt get away. Its an age old story! Usually its used in a more metaphoric less sinister way as in your example