BANDWAGON, JUMP (CLIMB, GET, ETC.) ON THE

to join what appears likely to be a successful endeavor or enterprise or to attempt to join the winning side, used in reference to social, political or cultural movements, fashionable or current trends, etc. A bandwagon is a large wagon that is capable of carrying a band of musicians, as in a parade or en route to a political rally. To jump (climb, get, etc.) on the bandwagon originated in the early 1900s when supporters of presidential candidate William Jennings Bryan (1860–1925) climbed on his bandwagons as they rolled through town, to show their support and enthusiasm.