indirect request; request through an intermediary
Refers to asking someone to pass a request to a third party, rather than asking directly. Often used in contexts where direct contact is avoided.
Since it's hard to tell him directly, I asked a friend to pass on the request.
Messages conveyed through an indirect request are often misunderstood.
Standard kanji spelling.
Common mixed kana-kanji spelling.
Compound of 又 (mata, 'again; indirect') and 頼み (tanomi, 'request'). The exact historical derivation is uncertain, but the word literally suggests a request made through another person.