circle the wagons

English

Alternative forms

• circle one's wagons

Etymology

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

• Audio (General Australian):

  (file)

Verb

circle the wagons (third-person singular simple present circles the wagons, present participle circling the wagons, simple past and past participle circled the wagons)

1. To draw a wagon train into a circle to allow the wagons to provide cover when under attack.
2. (idiomatic) To prepare to defend against an attack or criticism.

See also

• circle the wagons on Wikipedia.Wikipedia
• close ranks
• laager