# break ranks

idiom

Source: https://englishreference.com/idiom/break-ranks
Updated: 2026-08-10

## Meaning

To publicly disagree with one's own group or organization.

## Examples

- He decided to break ranks and vote against his own party.
- The politician chose to break ranks with his colleagues to support the new law, causing a stir in the capital.
- Despite the intense pressure to maintain a united front, the senior diplomat finally broke ranks to voice his concerns about the failing peace treaty.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.