noun
will of a superior; decree; emperor's wishes
Historical term referring to the will or decree of a shogun, emperor, or other high authority. In modern contexts, it can be used metaphorically or in formal writing to mean 'orders from above'.
上意に背くことは許されなかった。
Disobeying the shogun's decree was not permitted.
上意下達の組織では、現場の声が届きにくい。
In a top-down organization, voices from the front line are hard to convey.