rank and file

  1. the body of soldiers of an army, as distinguished from the officers
  2. the common people, as distinguished from leaders or officials; specif., the ordinary members of a labor union, political party, etc., as opposed to its leaders

See rank and file in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun
  1. The enlisted troops, excluding noncommissioned officers, in an army.
  2. The people who form the major portion of a group, organization, or society, excluding the leaders and officers.

Related Forms:

  • rankˈ-and-fileˈ (răngkˈən-fīlˈ) adjective

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