expression, godan verb (-ru)
follow suit; imitate blindly
Idiomatic expression for uncritically following someone else's lead, often without understanding. Carries a negative nuance of thoughtless imitation.
彼はいつも上司の尻馬に乗っているだけだ。
He just blindly follows his boss all the time.
It's easy to jump on the bandwagon, but it's important to think for yourself.
expression, godan verb (-ru)
ride coattails; take advantage of another's success
Used when someone benefits from another's popularity, achievements, or position, often without contributing themselves. Similar to 'piggybacking' on someone else's success.
彼は有名な先輩の尻馬に乗って出世した。
He rode on the coattails of his famous senior and got promoted.
あの政治家は父親の尻馬に乗って当選しただけだ。
That politician only got elected by riding on his father's coattails.