驥き尾び

noun

tail of a swift horse; behind a great person

Rare literary noun, almost exclusively used in the set phrase 驥尾に付す (to follow in the footsteps of a great person). The figurative sense derives from the idea of attaching oneself to the tail of a fine horse to be carried along.

See also: 驥尾に付す

• 「驥き尾びに付ふす」という表ひょう現げんは、優すぐれた人ひとの後あとについて自じ分ぶんも進すすむことを意い味みする。

  The expression 驥尾に付す means to follow behind an outstanding person and advance oneself.