the rank and file

Definitions

The ordinary members of an organization or group, as opposed to its leaders or officers.

The common people or the general body of a workforce.

Examples

The new policy was met with significant resistance from the rank and file of the labor union.

While the executives debated the strategy in the boardroom, the rank and file were busy implementing the changes on the factory floor.

Synonyms

the common people the masses ordinary members the general membership

Antonyms

the leadership the elite the top brass the management the ruling class