close ranks

We see it among college students who will close ranks around one of their own.

In the coming days we must close ranks and show greater will to play.

All of you sitting down there can find nothing better to do than close ranks!

Of course, when you get abuse in families, people close ranks.

"As you and I close ranks, so the whole country must."

"There was a move to close ranks around this business," he said.

The military families are closing ranks to look after each other.

"The international community needs to close ranks against the terrorists."

He was also asked to close ranks with the Treasury.

Before him, the eight guards began to close ranks, and one called out.

It was time, he said, for the church to close ranks and comfort one of its own.

In a crisis, they have closed ranks, no questions asked.

Still, the Communists were expected to close ranks behind him.

Close ranks; follow him until the next station takes over.

"Sometimes when leaders are attacked, people close ranks behind them."

In the other, the same trees close ranks, growing more substantial.

On the other hand, they all closed ranks and presented a united front.

"We are trying to close ranks and prevent the enemy from having a field day."

Instead he closed ranks with the party to help it win the election next year.

The body would begin closing ranks, trying to stay alive.

They'd pitched him out of Line then, and closed ranks.

The very first item on the list was "Time to close ranks."

It has become essential to close ranks for the supply and security of energy.

Europe has closed ranks, and we stand alongside the world.

"The men close ranks and the women are left to hang.