Hang on your coattails Meaning in English
expression
Definition
To benefit from another person’s success or achievements, often without making much effort yourself.
Usage & Nuances
Mostly informal and sometimes negative, implying someone profits from another’s hard work. Used about people who achieve success thanks to someone powerful or well-connected. Variants: 'ride on someone's coattails'. Not literal; doesn't refer to actual clothing.
Example Sentences
Some people try to hang on your coattails instead of working hard themselves.
basic
He didn't do much; he just tried to hang on your coattails for the promotion.
basic
Stop trying to hang on my coattails and make your own way.
basic
If you always hang on your coattails, people won’t respect your achievements.
natural
She’s tired of colleagues who just want to hang on her coattails without doing any real work.
natural
You can’t just hang on your coattails forever—you need to prove yourself too.
natural