rank and file
The members of an organization, community, etc. who are not in leadership positions.
Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
“The rank and file members want better pay.”
“The new policy caused a lot of frustration among the rank and file workers at the factory.”
“While the executives debated the merger in private, the rank and file remained anxious about the future of their jobs.”
- 01
break ranks
To publicly disagree with one's own group or organization.
- 02
circular file
The trash container; the wastebasket.
- 03
dirt file
A compilation of negative gossip or facts about someone.
- 04
file away
To cause oneself to remember (something); to avoid expressing a feeling, fact or idea until an appropriate time.
- 05
file off the serial numbers
To alter identifiable details in a creative work in order to conceal its origin.
- 06
run someone's file
To search through someone's criminal record.
Last updated August 10, 2026