noun, takes する, intransitive verb

  1. retiring high-ranking government officials taking a lucrative job in a private or semi-private corporation.
  2. command (from superior to inferior, government to private sector, etc.), order, imposition.
  3. descent from heaven. Orig. meaning.

Variations

Pronunciation Kanji Kana Is Common
 
天下り あまくだり
 
天降り あまくだり

Contained Kanji Breakdown

heavens, sky, imperial
テン あま- あも (1st, N5)
one, one radical (no.1)
イチ いっ ひと- (1st, N5)
large, big
ダイ おお- た (1st, N5)
person
ひと ニン ジン (1st, N5)
below, down, descend
カ した くだ.る (1st, N5)
one, one radical (no.1)
イチ いっ ひと- (1st, N5)
divining, fortune-telling, divination or katakana to radical (no. 25)
ボク うらな.う うらない (Kentei Pre-1)