Coattail Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
coattail
[หkoสtหteษชl ]
Definition
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
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Interesting Facts
Pop Culture
- In politics, candidates often ride the coattails of more popular leaders, gaining electoral support due to association.
- The phrase has been used in movies and TV shows to describe characters who leech off the fame of others.
Psychology
- The phenomenon reflects social behaviors where individuals seek to associate with successful people to enhance their status.
- This can create dependency relationships, where one party may feel inadequate without the success of another.
Business
- In entrepreneurship, start-ups might thrive by aligning with established brands, capitalizing on their reputation.
- Marketing strategies often leverage coattailing effects to launch products, using influencers who are already popular.
Literature
- Authors have critiqued the concept of coattailing in stories, showing characters who rely on the successes of others instead of their own talents.
- In many classic narratives, the theme of dependency on anotherโs achievements serves as a cautionary tale about ambition and integrity.
Origin of 'coattail'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'coattail' comes from the clothing of the 19th-century, referring to the tails on formal coats.
- Originally, people would use the phrase 'to ride on someoneโs coattails' to mean gaining benefits from anotherโs achievements.
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.