circle the wagons
English edit
Etymology edit
From the practice of drawing the wagons of a wagon-train into a circle to protect against attack, and also to keep cattle and other livestock within.
Pronunciation edit
Audio (AU) (file)
Verb edit
circle the wagons (third-person singular simple present circles the wagons, present participle circling the wagons, simple past and past participle circled the wagons)
- To draw a wagon train into a circle to allow the wagons to provide cover when under attack.
- (idiomatic) To prepare to defend against an attack or criticism.
See also edit
- circle the wagons on Wikipedia.Wikipedia
- close ranks
- laager