break ranks

Related to break ranks: 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 ranks

Fall out of line or into disorder; also, fail to conform, deviate. For example, The recruits were warned that they must not break ranks, or Harry was told to adhere to the party platform and not break ranks. This idiom uses rank in the sense of "soldiers drawn up in line," and the term originally referred to their falling into disarray. The figurative usage dates from the mid-1800s.
See also: break, rank
The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.

break ranks

or

break rank

COMMON If someone breaks ranks or breaks rank, they do not follow the instructions or opinions of their group or organization, and instead, say or do something that shows a different opinion. Note: A rank of soldiers is a line of them standing side by side. Would you break ranks with your party and vote against the president's tax bill? A former cabinet minister has broken ranks to protest at the Government's plans to cut the education budget. Note: When soldiers break ranks, they stop standing in a line and move apart.
See also: break, rank
Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed.

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

break ˈranks

(of the members of a group) refuse to support a group or an organization of which they are members: Large numbers of MPs felt compelled to break ranks over the issue.
This idiom refers to soldiers, police etc. failing to remain in line.
See also: break, rank
Farlex Partner Idioms Dictionary

break ranks

Fail to conform. The term originated in the military, where “rank” means “soldiers drawn up in rank,” and signifies falling out of order and into disarray. In the mid-1800s, it began to be used figuratively, as in “Don’t break ranks; you’ve got to follow the official party platform.”
See also: break, rank
The Dictionary of Clichés by Christine Ammer
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
Fortunately for taxpayers, cartel members eventually will cave in to the temptation to break ranks and slash taxes, leading to the group's demise and reductions in tax burdens and complexity.
A road map for tax reform
As one of eight union presidents to break ranks with their AFL leadership for its reluctance to organize the mass industries, Hillman aided in the creation of a "committee for industrial organization," which became the Congress of Industrial Organizations (CIO).
Labor Will Rule: Sidney Hillman and the Rise of American Labor
Mr Johnson is the first senior Tory to break ranks with the PM's line that we cannot join Assad due to his poor human rights record.
BoJo: Unite with Assad
But a decision by two colleges - Coleg Cambria and St David's Catholic College - to break ranks and commit to paying the additional 1% regardless is believed to have forced ColegauCymru's hand.
College unions to debate pay deal; NEWS IN BRIEF
RUK and Alphameric need some major chains to break ranks, something bookmakers have always been too cute to oblige racing with.
Divide and rule strategy key to RUK success; Talking shop
That he should break ranks like this gives Howard a huge headache in his bid to portray the Tories as possessors of cohesive and innovative ideas on governing a better Britain.
DAILY POST COMMENT: Conservative hopes at the election have taken 'Flight
The insider said: "They will all break ranks and go it alone to protect their business and sales.
Car cartel cracks up
That, however, throws up the opportunity for any team willing to break ranks and run light in the third qualifying session to grab a leading position for tomorrow's race.
Motor Racing: SPREADWISE - Qualifiyng tactics make life hard for pole punters; FORMULA ONE
Ex-Shadow Foreign Secretary Michael Ancram is the first top Tory to break ranks with his leader.
Quit Iraq now says Ancram