What is another word for riding on coattails?
Pronunciation: [ɹˈa͡ɪdɪŋ ˌɒn kˈə͡ʊtte͡ɪlz] (IPA) 
Riding on coattails is a phrase used to describe someone who is benefiting from the success or popularity of someone or something else. Some synonyms for this phrase include piggybacking, mooching, leeching, freeloading, and hitchhiking. These words all suggest a form of dependence or exploitation of someone else's achievements. Piggybacking implies that someone is being carried by someone else, while mooching suggests that someone is taking advantage of generosity. Leeching and freeloading both imply a parasitic relationship, while hitchhiking suggests a potentially dangerous situation where someone is relying on someone else for transportation. Regardless of the synonym used, riding on coattails is generally frowned upon as it undermines individual effort and achievement.
