rank on

rank on (someone or something)

slang To criticize or complain about someone or something in a petty and naggingly critical manner. You know, the way you rank on the boss all the time is getting pretty old. So many people waste their breaths ranking on the government but won't vote or take any action to improve things.
See also: on, rank
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

rank on someone

Sl. to attack someone verbally; to gossip about someone. Please stop ranking on my family! Tom keeps ranking on Jennifer, and she is really mad about it.
See also: on, rank
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs.
See also:
  • rank on (someone or something)
  • rank on someone
  • rank out
  • rank someone
  • rank someone out
  • rank
  • the knives are out
  • needle (one) about (something)
  • needle about
  • hate on (someone or something)
References in classic literature
The tumult was presently increased by the advance of the second rank on either side, which, acting as a reserve, now rushed on to aid their companions.