noun
subordinate work; menial tasks; underling
Refers to low-level, routine, or support work, or a person doing such work. Often used in organizational contexts.
新入社員はしばらく下回りの仕事を任される。
New employees are assigned subordinate work for a while.
彼は下回りの役割に甘んじている。
He is content with his role as an underling.
noun
minor role actor (kabuki, etc.)
Specifically used in traditional performing arts like kabuki for actors with small parts.
彼は歌舞伎で下回りを長年務めてきた。
He has played minor roles in kabuki for many years.
noun
Technical term for the underbody of a car, truck, etc.
整備士が車の下回りを点検している。
The mechanic is inspecting the underside of the car.
Compound of 下 (した, 'below') and 回り (まわり, 'going around'), literally 'going around below', referring to support or subordinate roles.