Crossword Genius

Get a move on or leave the ranks (4,3)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

step out

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'leave the ranks' is the definition.
'step out' can be an answer for 'leave' (stepping out is a kind of leaving). I'm unsure of the 'the ranks' bit.

'get a move on' is the wordplay.
I cannot quite understand how this works, but
'move' could be 'step' (stepping is a kind of moving) and 'step' is located in the answer.
The remaining letters 'out' is a valid word which might be clued in a way I don't see.
This explanation may well be incorrect...

'or' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for step out that I've seen before include "Have a busy social life" , "Be busy socially" , "Move apace" , "Leave briefly" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
Want a hint initially instead of a full solution? Install my app