PhrasesHub

Rank and file

    Definitions

      • ordinary members of a group
        Referring to the ordinary members of an organization or group, as opposed to the leaders or managers

      • unity and solidarity
        Emphasizing the collective strength and unity of a group, especially in political or social contexts

    Examples of Rank and file

    • The soldiers in the platoon followed their orders without question, being part of the rank and file.

      In this example, "rank and file" refers to the majority of soldiers in an army, who obey orders without question or challenge. This phrase emphasizes the hierarchy and discipline within the military.

    • The CEO addressed the company's rank and file during the annual meeting, thanking them for their hard work and dedication.

      This example demonstrates the broader usage of "rank and file" beyond just the military context. Here, "rank and file" refers to the everyday workers and employees of a company, who may not hold high-ranking positions but still play an important role in the organization's operations.

    • Despite the controversy surrounding the new policy, the rank and file of the political party remained loyal to their leaders.

      In this example, "rank and file" refers to the ordinary members of a political party, whose allegiance lies with the party's leadership and policies, rather than any individual member. This idiom highlights the importance of solidarity and loyalty within the party's structure.

    • The rank and file of the protesters shied away from confrontation with the police, preferring to remain peaceful and avoid any arrests.

      In this example, "rank and file" is used to describe the majority of the protesters, who prioritize peaceful demonstrations over violent or confrontational actions. This phrase emphasizes the idea that most individuals within a group or movement share common goals and values, but may have different approaches to achieving them.

    • The soldiers in the army are often referred to as the rank and file. They follow orders without question and form the backbone of the military organization.

      In this example, "rank and file" is used as a noun phrase to describe the ordinary soldiers in an army. The phrase "rank and file" suggests that these soldiers occupy their designated positions in the military hierarchy and carry out their duties faithfully and without complaining.

    • The union representatives were frustrated with the rank and file workers who seemed unwilling to fight for better working conditions.

      In this example, "rank and file" is used as a adjective phrase to describe the less-active or less-involved members of a union. The phrase implies that these workers are content to follow the lead of their representatives and are not motivated to take action themselves.

    • The political party was criticized for being too focused on the rank and file members at the expense of its elected officials.

      In this example, "rank and file" is used as a noun phrase to describe the ordinary members of a political party. The phrase suggests that these members have a strong influence on the party's policies and decisions, possibly to an excessive degree.

    • The manager was disappointed with the rank and file employees who failed to meet their sales targets.

      In this example, "rank and file" is used as a noun phrase to describe the less-senior or less-specialized employees in a company. The phrase implies that these workers are responsible for carrying out the day-to-day operations of the business and are expected to meet their performance goals.


    Conclusion

    The idiom "rank and file" can be used to refer to the ordinary members of a group or organization, as well as to emphasize the collective strength and unity of a group.

    Origin of "Rank and file"

    The origin of the phrase "rank and file" can be traced back to its military roots. In a military context, the "rank" refers to the soldiers arranged in a line or formation, while the "file" refers to the soldiers standing side by side in a line. Over time, the term came to be used more broadly to refer to the ordinary members of any organization or group, as opposed to the leaders or managers.

    The idiom has also been used in political and social contexts to emphasize the collective strength and unity of a group. This usage likely stems from the idea of individuals standing side by side, symbolizing their unity and solidarity. Overall, the phrase "rank and file" has evolved to encompass both the ordinary members of a group and the idea of unity and solidarity within that group.