coat·tail 
/ˈkoʊtˌteɪl/ noun
plural coat·tails /ˈkoʊtˌteɪl/ noun 1 [count] : a long piece of cloth that hangs down at the back of a man's formal coat — usually plural ▪ He caught his coattails in the door. 2 coattails [plural] : the help or influence of another person's work, ideas, or popularity
▪ They were elected to Congress by riding (on) the coattails of the President. = They were swept into office on the coattails of the President. [=they were elected because they belong to the same political party as the President, who is very popular]
▪ They were elected to Congress by riding (on) the coattails of the President. = They were swept into office on the coattails of the President. [=they were elected because they belong to the same political party as the President, who is very popular]
