Circle the wagons

verb

To unite to defend against a common threat or to focus on a shared goal, especially when feeling threatened.

When the controversy broke out, the political party decided to circle the wagons.
Visual representation of "circle the wagons" - To unite to defend against a common threat or to focus on a shared goal, especially when feeling threatened.

Often appears as...

  • circle the wagons against
  • circle the wagons to protect

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

In history, to form wagons in a circle for protection against attack.

During the migration west, pioneers would circle the wagons at night to keep out wild animals and bandits.
Visual representation of "circle the wagons" - In history, to form wagons in a circle for protection against attack.

Often appears as...

  • circle the wagons at night
  • circle the wagons for protection

Usage tips

Historical

verb

To unite to defend against a common threat or to focus on a shared goal, especially when feeling threatened.

When the controversy broke out, the political party decided to circle the wagons.
Visual representation of "circle the wagons" - To unite to defend against a common threat or to focus on a shared goal, especially when feeling threatened.

Often appears as...

  • circle the wagons against
  • circle the wagons to protect

Usage tips

Idiomatic

verb

In history, to form wagons in a circle for protection against attack.

During the migration west, pioneers would circle the wagons at night to keep out wild animals and bandits.
Visual representation of "circle the wagons" - In history, to form wagons in a circle for protection against attack.

Often appears as...

  • circle the wagons at night
  • circle the wagons for protection

Usage tips

Historical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "circle the wagons"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Team Defense

Implies teamwork against challenges, not physical defense.

Illustration for Team Defense
When the company faced bankruptcy, employees circled the wagons to brainstorm saving strategies.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Crisis Unity

Used when a group needs unity to deal with a crisis or attack.

Illustration for Crisis Unity
The community circled the wagons after the flood to support each other.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literally

It's metaphorical, not suggesting to physically form a circle.

Illustration for Not Literally
The class circled the wagons to finish the project overnight.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Team Defense

Implies teamwork against challenges, not physical defense.

Illustration for Team Defense
When the company faced bankruptcy, employees circled the wagons to brainstorm saving strategies.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Crisis Unity

Used when a group needs unity to deal with a crisis or attack.

Illustration for Crisis Unity
The community circled the wagons after the flood to support each other.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literally

It's metaphorical, not suggesting to physically form a circle.

Illustration for Not Literally
The class circled the wagons to finish the project overnight.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Team Defense

Implies teamwork against challenges, not physical defense.

Illustration for Team Defense
When the company faced bankruptcy, employees circled the wagons to brainstorm saving strategies.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Crisis Unity

Used when a group needs unity to deal with a crisis or attack.

Illustration for Crisis Unity
The community circled the wagons after the flood to support each other.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not Literally

It's metaphorical, not suggesting to physically form a circle.

Illustration for Not Literally
The class circled the wagons to finish the project overnight.
Visual representation of the word "Circle the wagons"

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