VocabDictionary
🇬🇧English to English[jump on the bandwagon]

jump on the bandwagon

/dʒʌmp ɒn ðə ˈbænd.wæɡ.ən/intermediate Level

English Meaning & Definitions

1.idiom

To join a popular activity, trend, or cause because it has become successful or fashionable, rather than out of original conviction.

Example Sentences:
  • Many investors started to jump on the bandwagon once the tech stocks began to soar.
  • She never cared about football until her local team made the finals and she decided to jump on the bandwagon.
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English Synonyms & Near Equivalents

English Antonyms & Opposites

Comprehensive Thesaurus Breakdown

Compare formal, informal, literary synonyms and register nuances for “jump on the bandwagon”.

Thesaurus Entry
Cultural Origin & Etymology

Originating in 19th-century American politics, the term refers to the wagon carrying the band in a circus or political parade. In 1848, a circus clown named Dan Rice famously used his campaign wagon—and its band—to attract crowds for politician Zachary Taylor, inviting people to 'jump on the bandwagon' and join the successful, popular side. By the late 19th century, the phrase became widely used to describe people adopting a trendy opinion, activity, or political cause simply because it was becoming popular.

Memory Aid & Mnemonic

Picture a festive musical band riding a wagon down the street, and everyone is excitedly running to hop on board to be part of the crowd.

Frequently Asked Questions About “jump on the bandwagon

1. What is the meaning of “jump on the bandwagon” in English?

In English, jump on the bandwagon (idiom) is defined as: “To join a popular activity, trend, or cause because it has become successful or fashionable, rather than out of original conviction.”.

2. How do you use “jump on the bandwagon” in a sentence?

Many investors started to jump on the bandwagon once the tech stocks began to soar.

3. What are English synonyms of “jump on the bandwagon”?

4. What is the etymology and word origin of “jump on the bandwagon”?

Originating in 19th-century American politics, the term refers to the wagon carrying the band in a circus or political parade. In 1848, a circus clown named Dan Rice famously used his campaign wagon—and its band—to attract crowds for politician Zachary Taylor, inviting people to 'jump on the bandwagon' and join the successful, popular side. By the late 19th century, the phrase became widely used to describe people adopting a trendy opinion, activity, or political cause simply because it was becoming popular.