Idiom: Close ranks
Meaning:
If members of an organisation close ranks, they show support for each other publicly, especially when being criticised. It is a military term- when soldiers close ranks, they stand closer together so that it is difficult to pass through them.
Country: International English | Subject Area: War, weapons and conflict | Usage Type: Both or All Words Used
All idioms have been editorially reviewed, and submitted idioms may have been edited for correctness and completeness.
Similar Idioms
- Close call
- Close but no cigar
- Close to the chest
- Close the stable door after the horse has bolted
- Sail close to the wind
- Close to the vest
- Close to your heart
- Close shave
- Close at hand
- Close lipped
- Close the book
- Close only counts in horseshoes and hand grenades
- Rise through the ranks
Idiom eBooks from UsingEnglish.com
Buy our lists of British English, American English and Animal idioms in PDF format. They're perfect to use offline for reference or for use in class!
If you have a question about idioms, ask us about it in our Idioms Discussion Forum.
If you know of an idiom that you would like to be listed here, please use our online form to suggest an idiom.
See also:
- View examples in Google: Close ranks
- Idiom Quizzes