Close ranks
verb
To come together and support each other, especially in a difficult situation.
The team decided to close ranks and defend their coach when allegations of misconduct arose.

Often appears as...
- close ranks and defend
- close ranks to support
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
In military terms, to move the soldiers closer together to resist an attack.
As the enemy approached, the captain ordered to close ranks.

Often appears as...
- order to close ranks
- close ranks formation
Usage tips
Technical
verb
To come together and support each other, especially in a difficult situation.
The team decided to close ranks and defend their coach when allegations of misconduct arose.

Often appears as...
- close ranks and defend
- close ranks to support
Usage tips
Idiomatic
verb
In military terms, to move the soldiers closer together to resist an attack.
As the enemy approached, the captain ordered to close ranks.

Often appears as...
- order to close ranks
- close ranks formation
Usage tips
Technical
Definition 1 of 2

Shared Challenge
Used when a group faces a common problem and chooses to support one another.

During the crisis, the community decided to close ranks to protect their neighborhood.
Unity Strength
Implies that uniting makes the group stronger against external pressures or criticism.

The politicians decided to close ranks to push the new policy through.
Loyalty Display
Shows members are loyal to the group's goals or individuals by standing together.

When the principal was criticized, the teachers closed ranks in support.
Shared Challenge
Used when a group faces a common problem and chooses to support one another.

During the crisis, the community decided to close ranks to protect their neighborhood.
Unity Strength
Implies that uniting makes the group stronger against external pressures or criticism.

The politicians decided to close ranks to push the new policy through.
Loyalty Display
Shows members are loyal to the group's goals or individuals by standing together.

When the principal was criticized, the teachers closed ranks in support.
Shared Challenge
Used when a group faces a common problem and chooses to support one another.

During the crisis, the community decided to close ranks to protect their neighborhood.
Unity Strength
Implies that uniting makes the group stronger against external pressures or criticism.

The politicians decided to close ranks to push the new policy through.
Loyalty Display
Shows members are loyal to the group's goals or individuals by standing together.

When the principal was criticized, the teachers closed ranks in support.
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