break rank

Related to break rank: break new ground, broke ranks

break ranks

1. Literally, to step out of a military formation. Don't break ranks, or the drill sergeant will lose it.
2. By extension, to behave in a way that is different from or opposes the other members of a group that one is a part of. You're a part of management now—if you disagree with their initiatives, then you need to break ranks.
See also: break, rank
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms.

break rank (or ranks)

1 (of soldiers or police officers) fail to remain in line. 2 fail to maintain solidarity.
See also: break, rank
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary
See also:
  • do unto others
  • play to the gallery
  • play to the gallery, to
  • be on the same wavelength
  • be on the same wavelength/on different wavelengths
  • bang (people's) heads together
  • bang people's heads together
  • bang your/their/our heads together
  • play to the crowd
  • do one's own thing, to
References in periodicals archive
"I'm all for Theresa May going and talking to Macron, there's lots to talk about - security and all sorts of other things - but I think we have got to accept we have got to do the hard yards of negotiating in Brussels, we are not going to find the French or any other major country wanting to break ranks."
Macron is 'unlikely to break ranks with the EU'
On July 21, on his 77th birthday, Vaghela had announced his plan to break ranks with the Congress, which he had joined two decades back after leaving the BJP.
Vaghela resigns as Gujarat MLA in presence of BJP leaders
French President Francois Hollande supported the so-called Tobin tax in his presidential election campaign, but has seen his Finance Minister, Pierre Moscovici, break ranks on the issue.
BANQUE DE FRANCE CHIEF CRITICISES FTT
There's a softening of approach from the 15th as Venus is first to break ranks, probably for a chocolate biscuit or two as she slows things down by entering the sign of Taurus, seeking comfort and security in more peaceful times.
Stars
Summary: Williams have become the first of the current Formula One teams to break ranks and confirm their entry for the 2010 championship.
Williams confirm 2010 participation
It will be won by the first major party to break ranks and give a firm commitment to independence from the political control of Brussels and negotiation of a trading arrangement.
Independence; You Say Email:letters@liverpoolecho.co.uk
S&N's decision to break ranks from the rest of the drinks industry may cause surprise, particularly as its targets ( Asda, Morrisons, Sainsburys and Tesco ( are some of its biggest customers.
Brewery hits at supermarkets over cheap booze
The more people who are watching, the less likely it is that one individual will break ranks and get involved.
We can all be hero
While none of them supports the Federal Marriage Amendment--not to my face, at least--none of them is willing to break ranks with the Republican Party over it either.
Dear Republican friends ..
Of the remaining eight rotating members, newcomers Susan Bies and Mark Olsen are unlikely to dissent: New governors generally don't break ranks in their first year while they feel their way around the organization.
Raining sun at the Fed; the Federal Reserve adds some clarity to its record. Or does it?