Riding on coattails refers to a situation where an individual or a group benefits from the success or popularity of someone else without contributing any significant efforts or achievements of their own. The term originates from the literal act of grasping onto the tails of a person's coat while walking or riding, allowing the individual to be carried forward or gain an advantage without exerting personal effort.
In a figurative sense, riding on coattails implies that a person or group is taking advantage of the accomplishments, skills, or influence of someone else to enhance their own standing, reputation, or success. This often involves capitalizing on the favorable reputation, achievements, or resources of another person, organization, or entity to gain unwarranted advantages or benefits.
It typically connotes a lack of personal merit, originality, or innovation, as those riding on coattails are often perceived as undeserving beneficiaries of someone else's accomplishments or abilities. Additionally, it can imply a form of opportunism or exploitation, as these individuals or groups seek to gain personal advantages without making any substantial contributions or taking on any significant risks.
Overall, the term is used to identify the act of benefiting or gaining an advantage through association or proximity to a successful or influential individual or entity, without having made a substantial or meaningful contribution of one's own.
