close ranks

一致団結する、結束する

問題や外部からの攻撃に対して、意見の違いを脇に置き、互いに支え合うこと。

やさしい英語で： 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?

使い方： close ranks against someone/something (The workers closed ranks against the proposed cuts.); close ranks around someone (The team closed ranks around its captain.)

類義語： unite, stick together

反対語： divide

よく使う表現： close ranks against something, close ranks around someone, close ranks behind someone

口を閉ざしてかばい合う、口裏を合わせる

外部の人に情報を明かすのを拒んで、仲間を守ること。

やさしい英語で： 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.

使い方： close ranks over something (The managers closed ranks over the missing money.)

類義語： keep quiet, maintain silence

よく使う表現： close ranks over something, close ranks against investigators, close ranks around someone

隊列を詰める

兵士が列と列の間隔を狭めること。

やさしい英語で： 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.

よく使う表現： close ranks quickly, close ranks tightly, close ranks together