gang up on
B1 informal inseparable transitive
In simple words
When a group of people all act together against one person who is outnumbered.
Literal meaning: A gang rises up and moves against a specific target.
Meanings
1 B1
idiomatic
informal
For two or more people to combine their efforts to bully, attack, or harass a single person.
"Three of her classmates kept ganging up on her during lunch breaks."
Grammar: inseparable
2 B1
idiomatic
informal
For several people or groups to collectively oppose or criticise one person or entity, often in a debate or political context.
"During the TV debate, the two rival candidates ganged up on the front-runner."
Grammar: inseparable
Usage notes
The most common form of 'gang up'. Strongly implies unfairness due to the numbers imbalance. Used in contexts ranging from schoolyard bullying to politics. The victim is named after 'on'.
Commonly used with
bully outnumber target victim opponent candidate
Forms
Base
gang up on
I/you/we/they
3rd person
gangs up on
he/she/it
Past simple
ganged up on
yesterday
Past participle
ganged up on
have + pp
-ing form
ganging up on
continuous
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Synonyms
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