expression, godan verb (-ru)
ill weeds grow apace; the hated child thrives
Proverb meaning that disliked or troublesome people often prosper or outlast others. Used to express grudging admiration or resignation.
あの嫌な上司がまた昇進した。憎まれっ子世にはばかるとはこのことだ。
That unpleasant boss got promoted again. It's a perfect example of 'ill weeds grow apace.'
As the saying goes, the hated child thrives—he's always causing trouble, yet somehow he does well.