idioms using “rank”

Rank and file

Non managerial employee or soldier

“Management is behind the new workplace rules, but what about the rank and file?“

Break rank

To disobey a manager or organization’s instructions

“Matsuda-san broke rank with his political party and voted for the opposition’s candidate.“

Pull rank

To use one’s superior position to force others to comply with one’s wishes

“The manager seldom pulled rank; he tried to trust his employees to make the right decisions.“

Close ranks

To support one another totally against outside criticism or attacks

“The political party has closed ranks and is supporting their leader against accusations that he took bribes.“

Outrank

To have more authority or a higher position than another

“We have to do what Sugita-san says; he outranks all of us.“