He rides his brother's coattails to get popular.
ride the coattails
idiomTo succeed by virtue of association (with).
She did not do any of the actual work, but she rode her partner's coattails to get a promotion.
The young politician rose to power quickly by riding the coattails of his famous father, rather than relying on his own merits.
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free ride
An opportunity or benefit which has no cost, especially one enjoyed or undertaken at the expense of others.
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full ride
A scholarship that covers all tuition, and in some cases fees or other educational and living expenses as well.
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go along for the ride
To accompany someone in a passive manner, or to take a relatively passive or detached role in a project or group activity.
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Nantucket sleigh ride
An instance of the dragging of a whaleboat across the surface of a body of water by a harpooned whale.
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ridden hard and put away wet
Mistreated; not properly cared for.
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ride down
To cause (a horse) to fall when riding.
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ride hard and put away wet
To mistreat (someone or something); to not properly care for.
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ride herd on
To supervise.
Last updated April 17, 2026