Meaning & Definition of Coattail in English

Detailed Definitions

• Definition: A long flap of a coat or jacket that hangs down.

  Example Sentence: The designer included elegant coattails in the evening wear.

• Definition: Used figuratively to describe someone who benefits from the success or influence of someone else.

  Example Sentence: He was riding on the politician's coattails during the election.

Etymology

Origin: Derived from the term 'coat tail', referring to the flap of a tailored coat.

Synonyms

Common Phrases and Expressions

• riding someone's coattails: To benefit from someone else's success.

Translations

• Spanish: falda de abrigo

• French: queue de manteau

• German: Schwanz des Mantels

• Russian: подол пальто

Related Words

• tail: The elongated rear part of an object.

• flap: A piece of material attached at one side, hanging loosely.

Slang Meanings of coattail

• Meaning: To ride the coattails of someone

  Example Sentence: He's just coattailing on her fame and doesn't have any talent of his own.