Rank and File

What Does "Rank and File" Mean?

"Rank and file" is an English idiom. It means "the ordinary members of a group or organization, as opposed to the leaders or the elite; the general membership."

Examples in Sentences

Here are three examples of the idiom "rank and file" used in a sentence:

• The decision was supported by the rank and file of the political party, as they believed it aligned with their values.
• The rank and file of the labour union demanded fair wages and better working conditions.
• The organization's leaders were disconnected from the concerns of the rank and file members.

What Is an Idiom?

An idiom is a commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. In other words, if you were to translate "Rank and File" word for word, there is no guarantee the translation would help you to understand the meaning.

An idiom often includes a cultural or historical context that makes it difficult for non-native English speakers to understand. A phrase is classified as an idiom when a direct translation of the words does not reveal the meaning. Most idioms rely on shared knowledge or experiences known only to a specific community.

A Quick Test

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