Coattail: meaning, definitions and examples
๐
coattail
[ หkoสtหteษชl ]
figurative use
The term 'coattail' refers to the back part of a coat, typically associated with formal wear. Figuratively, it indicates the influence or advantage gained by someone as a result of their association with a more powerful or popular person. The concept is often used in political contexts, where a less known candidate benefits from the popularity of a more well-known leader during elections. Additionally, it can describe situations in business or entertainment, where individuals gain opportunities through the successes of others.
Synonyms
advantage, influence, support.
Examples of usage
- She won the election on the coattails of the popular governor.
- He rode her coattails to success in the industry.
- Many candidates try to catch the coattails of a successful party leader.
Translations
Translations of the word "coattail" in other languages:
๐ต๐น cauda
๐ฎ๐ณ เคเฅเคเฅเคฒ
๐ฉ๐ช Schwanz
๐ฎ๐ฉ ekor
๐บ๐ฆ ั ะฒััั
๐ต๐ฑ ogon
๐ฏ๐ต ใณใผใใคใซ
๐ซ๐ท queue
๐ช๐ธ cola
๐น๐ท kuyruk
๐ฐ๐ท ๊ผฌ๋ฆฌ
๐ธ๐ฆ ุฐูู
๐จ๐ฟ ocas
๐ธ๐ฐ chvost
๐จ๐ณ ๅฐพๅทด
๐ธ๐ฎ rep
๐ฎ๐ธ hali
๐ฐ๐ฟ าาฑะนััา
๐ฌ๐ช แแฃแแ
๐ฆ๐ฟ qulaq
๐ฒ๐ฝ cola
Etymology
The word 'coattail' originated from the combination of two words: 'coat' and 'tail.' The 'coat' dates back to the Old French word 'cote', meaning a garment or outer covering, which itself derived from the Latin 'cota.' The term 'tail' comes from the Old English 'tรฆgel,' referring to a long, tapering part of something. 'Coattail' as a defined term emerged in the 19th century, initially describing the actual tails of formal coats worn by men. By the early 20th century, the figurative meaning began to appear, indicating the idea of someone benefiting from the status or fame of another person. Its use in political and social contexts has since popularized the term in contemporary discussions of influence and advantage, often in colloquial expressions.