rank and file

Definitions

1. Enlisted soldiers in a military organization, as would be arrayed in a grid pattern with ranks and files.
   uncountable
2. The members of an organization, community, etc. who are not in leadership positions.
   idiomatic, uncountable

Equivalents

Examples

“The executives attend⟳ meetings in exotic locations while the rank and file⟳ stays at headquarters doing the bulk of the work⟳.”

“First, a prominent Tory called the party’s rank and file⟳ “swivel-eyed loons.””

“Overnight, I have⟳ joined the rank and file⟳ of gym-bound office employees in their sneakers and suits. You know⟳: the ones who walk⟳ around trailing sad little bags containing soggy towels and spare⟳ shoes and shampoo.”

CEFR level