Phrasal verb
gang up against
Definition
phrasal verb. to join together with other people to attack or criticize someone.
phrasal verb. to form a group or alliance for the purpose of opposing, intimidating, or attacking a specific target; implies an unfair advantage due to numbers.
Examples
“The older kids always gang up against him on the playground.”
“The smaller companies decided to gang up against the industry giant to protect their market share.”
“During the debate, several minor candidates appeared to gang up against the frontrunner, relentlessly questioning his previous policy decisions.”
Examples
simple
“The older kids always gang up against him on the playground.”
contextual
“The smaller companies decided to gang up against the industry giant to protect their market share.”
complex
“During the debate, several minor candidates appeared to gang up against the frontrunner, relentlessly questioning his previous policy decisions.”
Usage
usually carries a negative connotation of unfairness or bullying.
Teaching tip
contrast with 'gang up on', which is more common in American English; both versions imply a group-versus-individual dynamic.
Pitfall
They ganged up against to me.
They ganged up against me.
do not add 'to' after 'against'; the preposition 'against' already connects the verb to the object.
Phrasal verb
Particles
up against
Separability
inseparable
Pattern
gang + up + against + object
Synonyms
Antonyms
Grammar
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/gang-up-against