swell the ranks
Boost the numbers
To swell the ranks is to increase the number of members in a group or organization.
The expression draws on military imagery—ranks being rows of soldiers—but applies broadly: Recent layoffs have swelled the ranks of the unemployed.
New recruits, converts, or additions swell the ranks of movements, professions, or categories.
- move upProgress to higher position
- bulk upGain muscle mass
- strength in numbersPower through collective unity
- enlistJoin armed forces
- recruitNew member sought
mobilize · sign up · sign on · induct · join · join forces · band together · rally the troops · elevate · solidarity · amplify · membership · broaden · extend · coalition · proliferate · campaign · grassroots