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Region: US | Usage example: They climbed on the bandwagon after the show went viral.

Climb on the bandwagon

Meaning

Join a popular trend or movement.

Usage

Describes late adopters following success.

Origin & History

Origin notes can vary by region and source; this page gives the commonly reported explanation and usage context.

Carnival band wagons drew crowds, so politicians joined to show support.

1870s U.S. circus politics popularized the image.

Related Idioms

Jump on the bandwagon

Adopt a popular trend or join others in doing something.

Climb the ladder

Advance in a career or social standing.

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.