Jump on the bandwagon
Meaning
To join a popular activity, trend, or cause, often for personal gain, because it is currently fashionable or appears to be successful.
Origin
The lively, brassy "bandwagon" was once a literal spectacle, a highly decorated wagon carrying musicians in circuses and parades across 19th-century America. These rolling stages were designed to draw crowds and excite the public, with showmen like P.T. Barnum expertly using them to attract attention. Soon, shrewd politicians realized the power of association; they would quite literally "jump on" the bandwagon of a popular candidate or cause during a parade, hoping to soak up some of the crowd's enthusiasm and demonstrate their alignment with a winning side. This visible act of opportunism cemented the phrase, making it a cynical shorthand for joining a trend for personal advantage.
Examples
- After years of ignoring environmental issues, the company decided to jump on the bandwagon and launch a green initiative when it saw their competitors gaining market share.
- Many aspiring musicians tried to jump on the bandwagon of the new pop sensation, hoping to gain some quick fame by association.