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Close ranks meaning

What does the saying 'Close ranks' mean?

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
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