ride the coattails

English

(This etymology is missing or incomplete. Please add to it, or discuss it at the Etymology scriptorium.)

Pronunciation

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Verb

ride the coattails (third-person singular simple present rides the coattails, present participle riding the coattails, simple past rode the coattails, past participle ridden the coattails) [+ of (object)]

1. (idiomatic) To succeed by virtue of association (with).
   • 2010, Robin Speziale, Lessons from the Successful Investor‎^[1], page 53:

     Further, some investors ride the coattails of investor giants, such as Warren Buffett, meaning they would frequently invest in the stocks Buffet invested in.

   • 2022, Liam McIlvanney, The Heretic, page 251:

     He had the reputation of a wannabe hardman, riding his cousin's coattails.

See also

• friends in high places