🤝 Close Ranks: Uniting for a Cause 🌍
close ranks - Unite against a common opponent, present a united front. The term originated in the 1600s in the military, where it also was put as “to close files.” It alluded to the style of battle in which the troops were aligned side by side in neat rows; the order to “close ranks” meant to move the rows closer together, creating a seemingly impenetrable mass of men. The term was soon being used figuratively and became a cliché. For example, “Will the wankel [engine] be enough to sustain NSU as an independent motor company, or will NSU one day have to close ranks further with Citroen?” (Economist, Sept. 2, 1967).
Related & Similar Terms
- Band Together - To join forces for a common purpose.
- All for One, One for All - The motto of unbreakable unity (Thank you, Three Musketeers).
- Stand United - Presenting a collective front.
Synonyms
- Unite
- Solidify
- Consolidate
Antonyms
- Divide
- Separate
- Fragment
Humor-Filled Quote
“Why don’t they just leave every war to the mathematicians? They already specialize in bringing things to a point.” - Unknown
Proverbs Related
- United we stand, divided we fall.
- A house divided against itself cannot stand. - Abraham Lincoln
Literary References & Recommendations
- The Three Musketeers by Alexandre Dumas - A classic tale of unity and camaraderie.
- The Art of War by Sun Tzu - Influences of military strategies and unity.
- Lord of the Rings Trilogy by J.R.R. Tolkien - The fellowship bands together against common foes.
Song Recommendations
- We Are the Champions by Queen - The ultimate anthem for unity.
- Lean on Me by Bill Withers - Celebrating support and unity.
- With a Little Help from My Friends by The Beatles - A harmonious ode to sticking together.
Movies for the Theme
- Remember the Titans - A beautiful representation of standing united.
- Band of Brothers - The miniseries exemplifies military brotherhood.
- The Avengers - Superheroes coming together, closing ranks to save the world.
Farewell for now, dear reader, may you always find solidarity in your endeavors and remember the power of unity. Until we meet again in the pages of linguistic wonders.
E. Pluribus Wordsworth
