break ranks

Related to word: break

Idiom

Definition

  1. To publicly disagree with or criticize a group that one belongs to; to act in opposition to an established group or organization.

    • After the union leaders decided to accept the company's new contract, some members chose to break ranks and publicly oppose it.

    • Despite the majority of the party supporting the bill, several members broke ranks and publicly opposed the party's stance.

    • As a team member, he chose not to break ranks and supported their common goals.