Coattail

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. An elongated portion of a coat that drapes below the waistline; a concept of gaining advantages from the accomplishments or popularity of another person; a figurative expression representing the act of benefiting by association with someone's success
2. A rear flap of a garment that hangs down behind the wearer below the waist ; a benefit or advantage secured through association with a more successful person
3. The long section of a formal coat that extends down from the waist ; an opportunity or gain obtained by being connected to a prominent or influential individual

Etymology: "Coattail" is a plain compound: "coat" plus "tail," the rear portion of a coat that hangs down behind the wearer. The garment sense is the literal, original one, and the figurative sense grew out of it. The idea behind the figurative use is physical: someone who holds onto the back of a departing or moving figure gets carried along by it. That image gives the second meaning its logic. To "ride someone's coattails" is to gain success or advantage by staying attached to a more prominent person, so the tail of the garment becomes a handhold on another's achievement. The metaphor works because the coat is worn by the person in motion, and whoever clings to it moves with them.

Synonyms: tail, flap, appendage, extension, outgrowth

Antonyms: head, forepart, front, lead, leader