expression, godan verb (-ru)
even a woman of low birth can marry into wealth and status
Proverb implying that a woman's beauty can overcome humble origins, allowing her to marry a rich or high-status man. Often used cynically or humorously.
彼女は女氏無くして玉の輿に乗ったと言われている。
They say she married into wealth and status despite her humble birth.
Refers specifically to the palanquin of a noble, and by extension a wealthy marriage. The full proverb adds the condition of lacking family status.
A set phrase combining 女氏無くして (without family status) and 玉の輿に乗る (ride in a jeweled palanquin, i.e., marry into wealth). The exact origin is uncertain, but it reflects Edo-period social attitudes.