rank and file: Idiom Meaning and Origin
What does ‘rank and file’ mean?
"Rank and file" refers to the ordinary members of a group or organization, who do not hold positions of leadership or decision-making power.
Idiom Explorer
The idiom "second-rate" refers to something of inferior quality or standard compared to others in the same category.
A "queen bee" refers to a dominant or influential woman who holds a position of power or authority. She is often seen as the leader in a social group or organization, and others may look up to or follow her.
'Pull rank' is an idiom that means to use one's higher rank or position of authority to gain an advantage or to assert dominance over someone else.
The idiom "powers that be" refers to the influential individuals or groups who hold authority or control over a particular situation or organization.
The idiom "poor power" refers to someone who lacks authority, influence, or control in a given situation. It implies a lack of ability or effectiveness, leading to a disadvantageous position.
The idiom "point man" refers to the person who takes on a leadership role or acts as the first in line in a group or organization, often responsible for making decisions or leading a team in a particular direction.
The idiom "nothing special" means that something is not particularly extraordinary or impressive. It implies that the person or object in question is rather ordinary or average.
The idiom "mere mortal" refers to an average or ordinary person who does not possess any extraordinary qualities or abilities.
The idiom "man of the people" refers to an individual who is relatable and well-liked by the general public. This person typically exhibits qualities of being down-to-earth, approachable, and in touch with the concerns and needs of ordinary people.
The idiom "man in the street" refers to an ordinary person or a typical member of the general public, with no specific expertise or knowledge in a particular field.
In The Ranks
The idiom "rank and file" is commonly used to refer to the ordinary members of a group or organization. It is derived from its military origins, where it specifically denoted the soldiers who served side by side in the lines, forming the backbone of an army. The term "rank" refers to the rows, while "file" represents the soldiers within those rows.
Over time, the usage of "rank and file" expanded beyond the military and extended to any organized body. It is frequently employed in political discussions to describe the general members of a political party, union, or other organized group. In the case of labor unions, the term specifically refers to the non-official members who constitute the majority of the union.
However, the idiom "rank and file" is not limited to political or military contexts. It also holds a figurative meaning when used to contrast regular, everyday workers or employees with higher-ranking executives or managers within a company or organization. This emphasizes the distinction between leaders and average workers within a hierarchical structure.
"rank and file" can be used in a broader sense to describe any group of people who are considered ordinary members working collectively towards a common goal. It symbolizes unity and solidarity among those in similar positions, underscoring their importance in achieving an overall objective.
When examining the related idioms "grass roots" and "grunt level," it becomes evident that they share common themes with "rank and file." In fact, these idioms represent different aspects of the same idea, highlighting the significance of collective effort and the contributions of many in achieving shared objectives.
Example usage
Examples of how the idiom "rank and file" can be used in a sentence:
- The company's CEO addressed both the management team and the rank and file employees during the town hall meeting.
- The union leader fought for better wages and improved working conditions for the rank and file members.
- In the military, promotions are not only based on merit but also on the opinions of the rank and file soldiers.
The idiom "rank and file" refers to the ordinary members or participants of a group, organization, or institution. These individuals are typically not in positions of leadership or authority. The term is often used to distinguish the general membership from those in higher levels of power or decision-making roles.
More "Nouns" idioms
