Coattails Meaning in English
word
Definition
'Coattails' refers to the long back part of a man's formal jacket. In politics, 'riding someone's coattails' means benefiting from another person's popularity or success.
Usage & Nuances
Literal use is rare today; most common in the idiom 'ride someone's coattails' (politics, business). Used formally or in news. Be careful: 'coattails' usually implies benefiting not by one's own merit but by association. Not used to describe actual jackets in modern casual contexts.
Example Sentences
His jacket had long coattails.
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She won the election by riding the president's coattails.
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It's hard to succeed on someone else's coattails.
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Many new politicians are swept into office on the leader’s coattails.
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He loves the spotlight, but his team just rides his coattails.
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Don’t expect to get far just hanging onto someone’s coattails.
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