coattail
Formal suit feature
A coattail is the back flap of a formal coat, extending below the waist.
The plural coattails appears most often in the phrase ride someone's coattails, meaning to benefit from another's success or influence without earning it independently.
In politics, a popular candidate's coattails can carry lesser-known running mates to victory: She won on the governor's coattails.
Men's formal evening attire
- cutawayView with exterior removed
- lapelJacket's front fold
- jacketSleeved upper-body covering
- suitMatched formal garments
eveningwear · vest · blazer · overcoat · cufflink · buttonhole · seamstress · tailor
Carried on another's back
- bandwagonSurging popular cause
- hanger-onOpportunistic social dependent
- beneficiaryDesignated asset receiver
- hitchhikeSolicit rides from strangers
tailgate · association · affiliation · nepotism · favor · connection · patronage · advantage
Lower-office electoral contests
- ticketEntry permit slip
- campaignOrganized effort toward goal
- electionOrganized public voting
- candidatePerson seeking selection
incumbent · mandate · landslide · turnout · midterm · endorsement · party · ballot
Joined fabric edge
- hemlineGarment's lowest edge
- alterationAct of modifying
- basteMoisten while roasting
- fittingSuitable or proper
dart · stitch · inseam · gusset · vent · lining · padding · placket
Formal evening dress code
- white-tieStrictest evening dress code
- galaFestive formal occasion
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
- banquetFormal celebratory meal
ballroom · reception · dress-code · etiquette · elegance · sophistication · bow-tie · cummerbund
tuxedo
Men's formal evening attire
suit · eveningwear · vest · blazer · overcoat · cufflink · buttonhole · seamstress · tailor · hemline
piggyback
Carried on another's back
- bandwagonSurging popular cause
- hanger-onOpportunistic social dependent
- beneficiaryDesignated asset receiver
hitchhike · tailgate · association · affiliation · nepotism · favor · connection · patronage · advantage · proximity
down-ballot
Lower-office electoral contests
candidate · incumbent · mandate · landslide · turnout · midterm · endorsement · party · ballot · caucus
seam
Joined fabric edge
- hemlineGarment's lowest edge
- alterationAct of modifying
- basteMoisten while roasting
fitting · dart · stitch · inseam · gusset · vent · lining · padding · placket · revers
black-tie
Formal evening dress code
- white-tieStrictest evening dress code
- galaFestive formal occasion
- ceremonyFormal event marking occasions
banquet · ballroom · reception · dress-code · etiquette · elegance · sophistication · bow-tie · cummerbund · studs
coattaillapel
Jacket's front fold
collar · front panel · breast pocket · shirtfront · bodice
coattailself-made
Successful through own efforts
self-made success · bootstrap · self-reliance · merit · pioneering
coattailbenefactor
One who gives aid
patron · kingmaker · standard-bearer · trailblazer · torchbearer
- rode the coattailsGained from another's efforts
- ride the coattailsProfit from another's achievement
- riding the coattailsGaining from another's success
- coattail effectSuccess through powerful association
- ridden the coattailsSucceeded via association