通过关系

[Sammy89]

Hi guys,

I need to confirm with you. Does 关系 refer to a relative or telephone in this context?

下午，他通过关系，搞到了一把巴雷特狙击枪。

Thanks guys

 

[Lamb67]

关, means “closed” while the character xi 系 means “system” and together the term refers to a closed system of relationships that is somewhat analogous to the term old boy's network in the West.[2]
Wikipedia (s.v. Guanxi)😁

 

[27rabbit]

关系 is like social networks, but in "通过关系" or "走关系", it is usually improper

 

[SuperXW]

Agreed. It's through some sort of personal "relationship", not the formal, legal, public way.