肩かたを並ならべる

expression, ichidan verb

stand shoulder-to-shoulder; walk side by side

Literal physical sense: people standing or walking with shoulders aligned, often implying equality or companionship.

• 彼かれらは肩かたを並ならべて歩あるいていた。

  They were walking shoulder to shoulder.

expression, ichidan verb

be on a par with; rank with; equal

Figurative use: to be equal in ability, status, or achievement; often used in competitive or comparative contexts.

• 彼かれの実じつ力りょくはプロと肩かたを並ならべるほどだ。

  His skill is on a par with that of a professional.