Meaning of rank and file | Babel Free

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