1. the back part of a coat that hangs below the waist
2. the political influence or success of another person that helps someone get elected or succeed
Usage: often used in the phrase ‘ride someone’s coattails’

Examples

• The formal coat had long coattails that reached his knees.
• She grabbed his coattail to get his attention.
• The mayor won by riding on the governor’s coattails.
• Many local candidates hoped to benefit from the popular senator’s coattails.
• He didn’t want to succeed just by hanging onto his father’s coattails.
• The president’s coattails helped several House candidates win their races.