5 definitions
Definition.com
Coattails (n.) are what a candidate grabs when the polls say to let go.
Definition.com
Coattails (n.) are what a landslide leaves behind for the people standing close enough.
Definition.com
Coattails (n.) are the part of a popular man that his friends ride and his rivals measure.
Definition.com
Coattails (n.) are a free ride that costs you the right to say no later.
Definition.com
Coattails (n.) are measured after the election by the people who swore they never needed them.