hanger-on

Someone who spends time with a person or a group of people hoping to benefit in some way from the association. The term implies that such a person is sycophantic or unwanted. Ever since Jennifer became a famous actress, she's surrounded by hangers-on trying to use her to further their own careers. Naturally, when she lost her fame and fortune, all those hangers-on deserted her. I'd be wary of these new friends of yours. Fame attracts many a hanger-on, you know.

See also:

a big fish in a small pond
a big frog in a small pond
big fish in a small pond
big frog in a small pond
frog in a small pond
change off
biggest frog in the puddle
a whole team and the dog under the wagon
on (one's) person
on person

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