break ranks
Fall out of line or into disorder; also, fail to conform, deviate. For example, The recruits were warned that they must not break ranks, or Harry was told to adhere to the party platform and not break ranks. This idiom uses rank in the sense of “soldiers drawn up in line,” and the term originally referred to their falling into disarray. The figurative usage dates from the mid-1800s.
Words Nearby break ranks
The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
How to use break ranks in a sentence
More broadly, the media as a whole were afraid to break ranks.
The U.S. Will Torture Again—and We’re All to Blame | Michael Tomasky | December 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTAs a result, it's likely that the GOP will need around 50 Democrats to break ranks and support the cromnibus for it to pass.
Until that equation tips, individual Republicans may break ranks on gay rights, but the party remains a countercultural bastion.
Moderates like Mark Kirk and Lisa Murkowski will likely yet again break ranks and crisis will be averted.
Only the GOP’s ‘Short Straw’ Caucus Can Raise the Debt Ceiling | Ben Jacobs | February 12, 2014 | THE DAILY BEASTIf Israeli negotiators were to offer to return the Golan Heights and amend the Law of Return, would he break ranks with them?
The butts of their rifles crashed to the floor with precision, and they were allowed to break ranks for a brief rest.
The Clansman | Thomas DixonHe and Longstreet won't get through Thoroughfare until to-morrow—break ranks!
The Long Roll | Mary JohnstonAfter inspection the troop should break ranks and hold a short business meeting.
How Girls Can Help Their Country | Juliette LowAn order to the men to break ranks and take cover might have altered the sad event entirely.
How Canada was Won | F. S. BreretonThis is a signal for team A to stop whistling, break ranks and run back to their goal line.
School, Church, and Home Games | George O. Draper
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