close ranks

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Unite, work together, as in The members decided to close ranks and confront the president. This expression, dating from the late 1700s, comes from the military, where it denotes bringing troops into close order so there are no gaps in the fighting line. (A slightly earlier form was close lines.) It has been used figuratively since the mid-1800s.

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His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Words nearby close ranks

close position, close punctuation, close quarters, close quote, closer, close ranks, close reach, close-reefed, close season, close shave, close shot

How to use close ranks in a sentence

Not having spent years at politics, they have not been brought up to close ranks behind a primary winner.
The Tea Party vs. the GOP|Adam Clymer|January 26, 2010|DAILY BEAST
It is thought of as a sort of mighty army, marching down the road, in close ranks, with fixed bayonets.
Quiet Talks with World Winners|S. D. Gordon
For before him was the stream of water—almost as deadly to him as the close ranks of the Mifkets behind him.
John Dough and the Cherub|L. Frank Baum
The whites began to close ranks, to leave no room in their midst for the white man of the North, the ruler and ally of the black.
Civil War and Reconstruction in Alabama|Walter L. Fleming

To escape famine, he will soon be obliged to direct his flight through the close ranks of our brave soldiers.
History of the Expedition to Russia|Count Philip de Segur
Long before daylight the next morning the four thousand were marching in close ranks to gather for the final assault.
When the West Was Young|Frederick R. Bechdolt

close ranks

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How to use close ranks in a sentence