まかり通る

• Reading: まかりとおる
• Romaji: makaritooru
• Kanji breakdown: 通 (tsū/tō) — pass through, traverse
• Pronunciation: /ma.ka.ɾi.to.o.ɾɯ/

Meaning

To pass unchallenged; to be accepted without question; to be allowed to continue despite being questionable or wrong.

A Group 1 (godan) verb composed of まかり (an intensifying prefix from 罷る, originally meaning 'to depart' or 'to presume') and 通る (to pass through). The compound implies that something dubious or improper passes without objection, carrying a tone of indignation or surprise. Commonly used in negative contexts, such as describing injustice, absurdity, or misconduct being tolerated in society or organisations.

Examples

1. そんな言い訳が職場でまかり通るはずがない。 There is no way such an excuse would pass unchallenged in the workplace.
2. 昔は理不尽な命令が組織の中でまかり通っていた。 In the past, unreasonable orders passed unchallenged within organisations.
3. 不正がいつまでもまかり通る社会にしてはならないと市民たちは訴えた。 Citizens appealed that we must not allow a society where wrongdoing goes unchallenged indefinitely.

Usage Guide

Context: social criticism, journalism, workplace, politics

Tone: disapproving

Origin & History

Formed from まかり (a prefix deriving from 罷る, a classical verb meaning 'to leave' or 'to presume to act') combined with 通る (to pass through). The prefix adds assertive or presumptuous nuance, implying that something forces its way past scrutiny.

Cultural Context

Era: Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: All classes