rank (redirected from ranking)

break ranks

to publicly show that you disagree with a group of which you are a member. Junior officers were said to be prepared to break ranks with the leadership. (often + with)

See also: break

close ranks

if members of a group close ranks, they publicly show that they support each other, especially when people outside of the group are criticizing them. In the past, the party would have closed ranks around its leader and defended him loyally against his critics.

See also: close

join the ranks of something

to become part of a large group. Thousands of young people join the ranks of the unemployed each summer when they leave school.

See also: join

pull rank

to use the power that your position gives you over someone in order to make them do what you want. He doesn't have the authority to pull rank on me any more. (often + on) She was boss of forty or more people but, to her credit, she never once pulled rank.

See also: pull

the rank and file

the ordinary members of an organization and not its leaders. The party leadership seems to be losing the support of the rank and file.

See also: file

rank-and-file

the rank and file - the ordinary members of an organization and not its leaders. Nearly two-thirds of the vote went to union leaders and rank-and-file party activists. (always before noun)

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break ranks

to do or say something different from what a group you belong to does or says. Two owners broke ranks and said they were against locking out the players.

Usage notes: often followed by with: They decided to break ranks with the alliance and work independently for a solution.the origin note doesn't make the meaning clear unless you explain "break" too--SL, 1/03

Etymology: based on the military meaning of break ranks (= to walk away from a straight row in which you and other soldiers have been standing)

See also: break

close ranks

to show support for other members of your group. Dale urged his former rivals to close ranks behind his candidacy.

Etymology: based on the military meaning of close ranks (= to form a straight row with other soldiers)

See also: close

join the ranks of something

to become part of a larger group or organization. Their country will join the ranks of the most developed nations of the world in four or five years.

See also: join

pull rank

to use the power of your job or position to make someone do what you want. Some of the seniors in our school pull rank on the younger kids and force them to run errands for them.

See also: pull