COATTAILS Meaning and
Definition
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Coattails refer to a metaphorical expression used to describe the phenomenon in which a lesser-known or less popular person or entity benefits from the success or popularity of another more prominent individual or group. Derived from the literal coattails found on the back of a coat, this term alludes to the idea of riding on someone else's coat as they move forward, generating positive outcomes for oneself.
In the world of politics, the concept of coattails often arises during an election. It occurs when a well-known or popular candidate at the top of a ticket attracts more voters, resulting in a positive effect for other candidates from the same party running for lower-level offices or positions. This means that candidates further down the ballot find it easier to succeed simply because the more popular candidate has garnered significant support.
Outside the realm of politics, the term can be applied to any situation where someone gains an advantage or benefits from a connection to a more successful or influential person. For example, an up-and-coming artist may experience a boost in their career if they collaborate with a well-established and highly regarded musician. The lesser-known artist can ride on the coattails of the more established one, gaining exposure, credibility, and potentially attracting a wider audience.
Overall, the term "coattails" encapsulates the concept of reaping benefits, popularity, or success due to a connection with someone who has already achieved a high level of recognition, influence, or accomplishment.
Top Common Misspellings for COATTAILS *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for COATTAILS
Etymology of COATTAILS
The word "coattails" originated from the mid-17th century when it was first used to refer to the long rear flaps of a coat. These flaps, often extending below the waist, were divided into two sections, one on each side of the coat. When the person wearing the coat walked or moved, these flaps would "tail" or hang down similarly to a tail. During this time, men's fashion frequently featured such coats with long tails.
The term "coattails" then acquired a figurative meaning in politics. It began to be used in the mid-19th century to describe the concept of an individual achieving success or riding on the popularity or reputation of another person. This figurative use emerged from the image of a person literally holding onto or being carried along by the "coattails" of a more successful or influential figure, much like hanging onto the tails of a coat.
Idioms with the word COATTAILS
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ride on coattails
The idiom "ride on coattails" means to gain success or benefit from someone else's achievements or popularity without making any significant effort or contribution oneself. It refers to the idea of someone metaphorically holding onto the coattails of another person and using their influence or accomplishments to attain personal gain or recognition.
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ride coattails
The idiom "ride coattails" means to benefit or achieve success by associating oneself with someone else's accomplishments, influence, or reputation, usually without contributing much value or effort oneself. It implies the act of taking advantage of another person's achievements to advance one's own interests.
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on coattails
The idiom "on coattails" refers to riding on the success, popularity, or achievements of someone else in order to gain recognition, advancement, or benefits without much effort or merit of your own. It implies taking advantage of the accomplishments or influence of another person to secure personal gains.
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on sb's coattails
The idiom "on someone's coattails" refers to a person benefiting, gaining success, or riding the wave of another person's achievements or influence. It suggests that the person is simply following or imitating someone else's lead rather than making independent efforts or contributions.
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ride sb's coattails
The idiom "ride someone's coattails" means to achieve success or gain an advantage by relying on or taking advantage of someone else's efforts, achievements, or influence rather than by one's own efforts or abilities. It refers to metaphorically hitching a ride on someone else's success or popularity to benefit oneself.
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ride on sm's coattails
The idiom "ride on someone's coattails" means to achieve success or gain advantages by relying on or exploiting the efforts, accomplishments, or reputation of another person, usually someone more successful or influential. It implies that the person benefiting from the association is not contributing or accomplishing anything on their own but rather relying on the achievements of another.
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ride on someone's coattails
The idiom "ride on someone's coattails" refers to benefiting or taking advantage of someone else's success or influence without putting in any effort or contributing anything of one's own. It implies using the achievements or reputation of another person to gain personal advantage or recognition.
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on (one's) coattails
The idiom "on (one's) coattails" is used to describe a situation when someone benefits or follows the success of another person without much effort or merit of their own. It implies that the person is riding along on the success and achievements of someone else, taking advantage of their hard work or accomplishments.
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ride (on) the coattails of (someone)
The idiom "ride (on) the coattails of (someone)" refers to the act of benefiting from the success, achievements, or reputation of someone else, without making much effort or contributing significantly to the situation oneself. It typically implies that the person riding the coattails is taking advantage of someone else's hard work, skills, or influence for personal gain or recognition, without putting in the same level of effort or skill.
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ride on (one's) coattails
The idiom "ride on (one's) coattails" is used to describe the act of benefiting from someone else's success, achievements, or efforts without having made any significant contributions oneself. It implies a parasitic or opportunistic behavior, in which one person takes advantage of another's hard work or accomplishments to further their own interests or reputation.
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ride (one's) coattails
The idiom "ride (one's) coattails" refers to the act of benefiting from or taking advantage of someone else's success or accomplishments by associating closely with them or relying on their achievements. It implies using someone else's reputation or influence to advance one's own interests without making significant efforts on one's own.
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on someone's coattails
The idiom "on someone's coattails" refers to benefiting or gaining success from someone else's efforts, achievements, or popularity. It implies riding on the success or reputation of another person to propel oneself forward without doing much on one's own.
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on the coattails of
The idiom "on the coattails of" refers to benefiting from or riding the success or achievements of someone else. It implies that one person is taking advantage of the accomplishments or popularity of another to achieve their own success. The phrase suggests that the person following is not original or independent, but rather relying on the efforts or reputation of someone else.
Similar spelling word for COATTAILS
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