A yojijukugo meaning a mob, the rabble, or the masses — used disparagingly to refer to a disorderly or insignificant crowd.
指導者は有象無象の意見に耳を貸そうとしなかった。
The leader refused to listen to the rabble's opinions.
町の集会は有象無象が集まり、秩序を欠いていた。
The town meeting was filled with a disorderly crowd and lacked order.
彼は有象無象という言葉を使って大衆を軽蔑した。
He used the term 'uzou-muzou' to show contempt for the masses.
Originally in Buddhism and classical texts, it referred to all things with and without form — i.e., the whole of creation; a philosophical or religious usage.
古典仏教の文献では、有象無象の生成消滅について論じられている。
Classical Buddhist texts discuss the arising and passing away of all things (uzou-muzou).
詩人は有象無象のすべてを詠み込んで作品を作った。
The poet incorporated all things into his work.