the rank and file
noun/ðə ˌræŋk ən ˈfaɪl/
/ðə ˌræŋk ən ˈfaɪl/
[singular + singular or plural verb]- the ordinary soldiers who are not officers
Want to learn more?
Find out which words work together and produce more natural sounding English with the Oxford Collocations Dictionary app.
- the ordinary members of an organization
- The rank and file of the workforce is/are rarely consulted.
- rank-and-file members
Word Originreferring to the “ranks” and “files” into which privates and non-commissioned officers form on parade.
Check pronunciation:
the rank and file