break ranks

Frequency: 4.83.2 per million words

To leave a line of soldiers, police, etc.; or figuratively, to act differently from other members of a group.

rankPHRASES

Categories:

break

Examples (10)

  • The police broke ranks and started hitting people with their batons.
  • He broke ranks with his fellow Republicans and opposed the war.
  • The soldiers were ordered not to break ranks during the parade.
  • It was crucial for the security personnel not to break ranks in the face of the crowd.
  • She decided to break ranks with her party on the controversial bill.
  • The CEO chose to break ranks from the board's decision regarding the merger.
  • Despite pressure, a few journalists dared to break ranks and report the truth.
  • In a rare move, the judge seemed to break ranks with the prevailing legal opinion.
  • They urged everyone to maintain unity and not to break ranks at this critical time.
  • Historically, some prominent figures have had to break ranks to initiate significant change.