closing ranks

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

But as transparency demands mount on multiple fronts, he is increasingly seen as closing ranks, often defending the very systems he once railed against and unsettling his previously steadfast base of supporters.

From Salon • Nov. 15, 2025

However, the moment the democracy debate becomes externalized, many Indians become irritated and end up closing ranks against “outsiders.”

From Washington Post • Apr. 20, 2023

And he accused the party of closing ranks and attempting to discredit the victim in order to limit the damage that was caused, rather than genuinely attempting to tackle the issues that had been raised.

From BBC • Jun. 23, 2022

The Teamsters are also closing ranks around Amazon in Massachusetts.

From Reuters • Sep. 1, 2021

They were part of it while they lived, with all that that implied; when they died, to make part of it again, reorganized and closing ranks in the trench on Hart’s Island.

From Out of Mulberry Street Stories of Tenement life in New York City by Riis, Jacob A. (Jacob August)