下げ馬ば評ひょう

noun

rumor; gossip; speculation; irresponsible criticism

Originally referred to the talk among people dismounting from horses, i.e., idle chatter. Now used for unfounded rumors, speculative gossip, or armchair criticism, often about public figures or events.

• 選せん挙きょ前まえは様さま々ざまな下げ馬ば評ひょうが飛とび交かう。

  Before an election, all sorts of rumors fly around.

• 彼かれの辞じ任にんについては下げ馬ば評ひょうに過すぎない情じょう報ほうが多おおい。

  Much of the information about his resignation is nothing more than idle speculation.