circled the wagons

Meanings

1. 1phraseidiomfigurative

   To unite with others in order to defend against criticism or attack.

   Grammar: Used as a verb phrase; the subject is usually a group or team, not one person alone.

   Patterns

   • circle the wagons
   • circle the wagons around someone/something

   When the scandal broke, the whole department circled the wagons and refused to answer questions.

   The team circled the wagons after their coach was criticized by the media.

   Instead of admitting the mistake, the company circled the wagons and blamed its competitors.

2. 2phraseidiomold-fashioned

   Literally, to arrange wagons in a circle for protection, as in the Old West.

   Grammar: This is the original, historical meaning; it is still used in stories about pioneers.

   Patterns

   • circle the wagons

   The settlers circled the wagons to keep their families safe from attack.

   In the movie, the pioneers circled the wagons before nightfall.

Common combinations

circle the wagons around someone

The staff circled the wagons around their boss when the press called.

quickly circle the wagons

The government quickly circled the wagons to protect the minister.

time to circle the wagons

When the results came in, it was time to circle the wagons.

circle the wagons and fight back

The small business circled the wagons and fought back against the big chain.

Synonyms and how they differ

close ranks

Also means to unite for defense, but often implies hiding disagreements; 'circle the wagons' suggests a more active, tight defense.

rally around

Focuses on supporting someone, while 'circle the wagons' emphasizes defending against outside criticism.

Opposites

Commonly confused: circled the wagons or circle the drain?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “circled the wagons”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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