1.
wind exposure; how the wind hits
The degree to which a place is exposed to wind. Describes the physical force of wind striking something.
2.
criticism; pressure; hostile treatment
Figurative usage meaning the criticism or negative pressure directed at someone, especially from society, the public, or an organization.
Literally "wind hitting" — from 風 (wind) + 当たり (hitting/exposure). The figurative sense (criticism) is extremely common and may be more frequent than the literal one.
Common collocations
- 風当たりが強い (strongly exposed to wind; facing harsh criticism)
- 風当たりが厳しい (criticism is severe)
- 世間の風当たり (public criticism)
Usage
Almost always paired with 強い or 厳しい. The figurative usage is natural in news, business, and political contexts. Note that 風当たりが弱い (weak wind exposure) exists for the literal sense but is rarely used figuratively.