"on the coattails" is an idiomatic expression that is often used in the context of political or personal success. The phrase originated from the practice of holding onto the tails of someone's coat to remain close to them or benefit from their achievements.
When someone is said to be "on the coattails" of another person, it means that they are riding the success, influence, or popularity of that individual to their own advantage. This can be in terms of achieving political or professional success with minimal effort, or gaining recognition, promotion, or attention by association.
The phrase typically denotes a dependent or parasitic relationship where the person benefiting is not making independent efforts but rather relying on the achievements, reputation, or resources of the other person. It implies that the person benefiting may not have earned or deserved their position independently, but rather it was obtained through the support or connection to the other individual.
Often, being "on the coattails" suggests that the person benefiting may lack their own distinctive abilities, ideas, or accomplishments, and instead, benefits from the accomplishments of someone else. The connotation can be both negative and positive depending on the perspective, as it may imply opportunism or fair assistance and mentoring.
Overall, "on the coattails" describes a situation where someone rides the accomplishments, success, or influence of another person for their own gain, often without contributing substantially themselves.
