rank and file

Speech parts

1. rank and file - Noun

2. rank and file - Adjective

3. rank and file - Phrase

Meaning

the ordinary members of an organization (such as the enlisted soldiers of an army)

people who constitute the main body of any group

Source: WordNet

Alternative names

rank-and-file

Synonyms

rank mass army foundation out people public common men popular ground private majority base basis
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Antonyms

gentry big brother bohemian out large best
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Hypernyms

people force personnel

Examples

Is the Labour Party to remain a democratic party in which the right of free criticism and free debate is not merely tolerated but encouraged? Or are the rank and file of the party to be bludgeoned or cowed into an uncritical subservience towards the leadership? Michael Foot

It is the rank and file - the average woman - for whom the world has opened up so astonishingly. Mary Augusta Ward

I would first recommend we appoint a Police Director that commands the respect of the rank and file. Frank Vincent

I never had much faith in leaders. I am willing to be charged with almost anything, rather than to be charged with being a leader. I am suspicious of leaders, and especially of the intellectual variety. Give me the rank and file every day in the week. Eugene V. Debs

Rank and file Democrats are very patriotic. They love this country and support the military. Dick Mountjoy

When one is in office one has no idea how damnable things can feel to the ordinary rank and file of the public. Winston Churchill

Words in the phrase

rank and file

Close letter words and terms

ranjow rank rank 41 rank and yank rank badge rank correlation