expression, noun
man marrying into wealth and power
A set phrase contrasting with 玉の輿 (woman marrying into wealth). Used when a man marries a woman of higher social or economic status. Often carries a slightly ironic or humorous tone.
See also: 玉の輿
彼は社長令嬢と結婚して、逆玉の輿に乗ったと言われている。
He married the company president's daughter and is said to have married into wealth and power.
Refers to a woman marrying into wealth and power. 逆玉の輿 is the male counterpart, literally 'reverse jeweled palanquin'.
Derived from 玉の輿 (tama no koshi, 'jeweled palanquin'), a metaphor for a woman marrying into wealth, with the prefix 逆 (gyaku, 'reverse') added to indicate the male version. The exact origin of the palanquin metaphor is uncertain.