close ranks

To put disagreements aside and support each other when facing a problem or an outside attack.

• The team closed ranks after the defeat.
• Party members closed ranks behind their leader.
• Will the family close ranks against these accusations?

How to use it: close ranks against someone/something (The workers closed ranks against the proposed cuts.); close ranks around someone (The team closed ranks around its captain.)

Similar words: unite, stick together

Opposites: divide

Common phrases: close ranks against something, close ranks around someone, close ranks behind someone

To protect your group by refusing to share information with people outside it.

• The officers closed ranks and refused to answer.
• Staff closed ranks when reporters asked about the missing files.
• The family closed ranks over the scandal.

How to use it: close ranks over something (The managers closed ranks over the missing money.)

Similar words: keep quiet, maintain silence

Common phrases: close ranks over something, close ranks against investigators, close ranks around someone

If soldiers close ranks, they move their lines closer together.

• The soldiers closed ranks.
• The captain ordered the troops to close ranks.
• They closed ranks as the enemy approached.

Common phrases: close ranks quickly, close ranks tightly, close ranks together