close ranks

serrare i ranghi, fare fronte comune

Mettere da parte i contrasti e sostenersi a vicenda davanti a un problema o un attacco esterno.

In inglese semplice: 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?

Come si usa: close ranks against someone/something (The workers closed ranks against the proposed cuts.); close ranks around someone (The team closed ranks around its captain.)

Sinonimi: unite, stick together

Contrari: divide

Espressioni comuni: close ranks against something, close ranks around someone, close ranks behind someone

fare muro, serrare i ranghi

Proteggere il proprio gruppo rifiutando di dare informazioni a chi ne è fuori.

In inglese semplice: 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.

Come si usa: close ranks over something (The managers closed ranks over the missing money.)

Sinonimi: keep quiet, maintain silence

Espressioni comuni: close ranks over something, close ranks against investigators, close ranks around someone

serrare i ranghi

Detto di soldati, avvicinare le proprie file riducendo gli spazi fra loro.

In inglese semplice: 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.

Espressioni comuni: close ranks quickly, close ranks tightly, close ranks together