break ranks

phrase

variants or less commonly break rank

: to differ in opinion or action from one's peers

—often used with with

broke ranks with the party's leadership

Examples of break ranks in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

If one soldier breaks rank or drops their shield, a hole is created that the enemy can exploit, compromising the entire unit. — Steve Muscato, Forbes.com, 27 July 2026

More than two dozen states have already broken rank with the CDC’s recommendations. — Craig Spencer, The Atlantic, 25 July 2026

Fetterman has emerged as one of the biggest Democratic voices most friendly to Trump, frequently breaking ranks to side with him and offer praise on issues such as Israel and the war with Iran, much to his party’s chagrin. — Brady Knox, The Washington Examiner, 19 July 2026

Word History

First Known Use

1854, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for break ranks

• sandbanks
• blanks
• cranks
• flanks
• francs
• franks
• hanks
• manx
• planks
• pranks
• shanks
• tanks