close ranks

serrer les rangs, faire bloc

Mettre ses désaccords de côté et se soutenir face à un problème ou une attaque extérieure.

En anglais simple : 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?

Comment l'utiliser : close ranks against someone/something (The workers closed ranks against the proposed cuts.); close ranks around someone (The team closed ranks around its captain.)

Synonymes : unite, stick together

Contraires : divide

Expressions courantes : close ranks against something, close ranks around someone, close ranks behind someone

faire bloc, garder le silence

Protéger son groupe en refusant de donner des informations aux personnes extérieures.

En anglais simple : 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.

Comment l'utiliser : close ranks over something (The managers closed ranks over the missing money.)

Synonymes : keep quiet, maintain silence

Expressions courantes : close ranks over something, close ranks against investigators, close ranks around someone

serrer les rangs

Pour des soldats, rapprocher leurs rangs les uns des autres.

En anglais simple : 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.

Expressions courantes : close ranks quickly, close ranks tightly, close ranks together