close ranks
When the members of a group or organization close ranks, they make an effort to stay united, especially in order to defend themselves from severe criticism:
In the past, the party would have closed ranks around its leader and defended him loyally.

[TahlilGaran] Advanced Learner's Dictionary ▲

close ranks
if members of a group close ranks, they publicly show that they support each other, especially when people outside of the group are criticizing them.
In the past, the party would have closed ranks around its leader and defended him loyally against his critics.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

close ranks
to come together for fighting, to unite and work together
The political parties closed ranks and stopped arguing among themselves.

During the meeting we closed ranks and refused to compromise on any issue.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲

close ranks
v. phr.
1. To come close together in a line especially for fighting.
The soldiers closed ranks and kept the enemy away from the bridge.
2. To stop quarreling and work together; unite and fight together.
The Democrats and Republicans closed ranks to win the war.
The leader asked the people to close ranks and plan a new school.

[TahlilGaran] English Idioms Dictionary ▲