break ranks
break ranks - Fail to conform. The term originated in the military, where “rank” means “soldiers drawn up in rank,” and signifies falling out of order and into disarray. In the mid-1800s, it began to be used figuratively, as in “Don’t break ranks; you’ve got to follow the official party platform.”
Similar Terms and Expressions
- Go Against the Grain: To do something in opposition to the usual way.
- March to the Beat of Your Own Drum: To do things in your own way without regard for others.
- Color Outside the Lines: To do something unconventional or against the rules.
- Take the Road Less Traveled: To make unconventional or challenging choices.
Synonyms
- Rebel
- Deviate
- Diverge
- Defy
Antonyms
- Conform
- Align
- Obey
- Adhere
Humor-Filled Quotes
- “Why fit in when you were born to stand out?” – Dr. Seuss
- “Conformity is the jailer of freedom and the enemy of growth.” – John F. Kennedy
Proverbs
- “A dead fish can float downstream, but it takes a live one to swim upstream.”
- “He who follows his own path does not have to fear getting lost.”
Recommended Literature, Songs, and Movies
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Books:
- 1984 by George Orwell - Explore the dangers of conformity.
- Brave New World by Aldous Huxley - Another classic on societal control and individuality.
-
Songs:
- “My Way” by Frank Sinatra - The classic anthem of living life according to one’s own rules.
- “Break Free” by Queen - Celebrate freedom and nonconformity with rock and flair.
-
Movies:
- Dead Poets Society (1989) - A tale of a teacher inspiring his students to think for themselves.
- Fight Club (1999) - A dark exploration of rebellion against societal norms.
### Which of these is a real phrase meaning to fail to conform?
- [x] Break ranks
- [ ] Jump the hoop
- [ ] Dance in a circle
- [ ] Float the boat
> **Explanation:** "Break ranks" is the real phrase meaning to fail to conform, originally a military term indicating falling out of order.
### What does 'break ranks' mean in a figurative sense?
- [ ] To succeed
- [ ] To dance
- [x] To fail to conform
- [ ] To play music
> **Explanation:** In a figurative sense, "break ranks" means to fail to conform, to deviate from the norm or the expected behavior.
### True or False: The term "break ranks" has origins in the culinary world
- [ ] True
- [x] False
> **Explanation:** False. The term "break ranks" has origins in the military, where soldiers would fall out of formation.
🧠 Thought-Provoking Close
“To break ranks is to exercise true freedom, to walk a path uncharted by societal norms. It’s the brave souls who dare to diverge that bring fresh perspectives and drive change. Remember, the world needs more pioneers, not followers.”
