expression, godan verb (-gu)
wheedle someone into doing something; manipulate someone into action
Idiomatic expression derived from the image of carrying a portable shrine; implies flattering, coaxing, or pressuring someone into doing something, often by making them feel important or obligated.
彼は周りに御輿を担がれて、結局会長を引き受けた。
He was wheedled into it by those around him and ended up accepting the role of chairman.
みんなで御輿を担いで、彼にその仕事を押し付けた。
Everyone manipulated him into taking on that task.
expression, godan verb (-gu)
carry a portable shrine
Literal meaning: to carry a みこし (portable shrine) during a festival. This is the original, non-idiomatic sense.
祭りでは、地元の若者たちが神輿を担ぐ。
At the festival, local young people carry the portable shrine.