憎にくまれっ子こ世よにはばかる

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.

• あの嫌いやな上じょう司しがまた昇しょう進しんした。憎にくまれっ子こ世せい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.'

• 憎にくまれっ子こ世せいにはばかるで、彼かれはいつもトラブルを起おこすのに、なぜかうまくやっている。

  As the saying goes, the hated child thrives—he's always causing trouble, yet somehow he does well.