close ranks

figuratively

(military) To close the spacing between lines (ranks) of troops, as they are deployed across a battlefield, thereby decreasing the depth of the formation as it faces the enemy side.

Japanese Meaning

（軍事用語）敵に向かって配置された兵士たちが、間隔を縮めて陣形の奥行きを短くする、隊列を詰める行動

What is this buttons?

When the enemy launched a flanking maneuver, the captain ordered the unit to close ranks to prevent a breakthrough.

Google Translation / DeepL Translation

敵が側面攻撃を仕掛けてきたとき、隊長は突破を防ぐために部隊に隊列を詰めるよう命じた。

Details

Sense（1）

(military) To close the spacing between lines (ranks) of troops, as they are deployed across a battlefield, thereby decreasing the depth of the formation as it faces the enemy side.

Sense（2）

(figuratively) To regroup forces, especially when this involves overlooking differences in order to face a challenge or adverse situation. Often implies making a show of unity, especially to the public.

Sense（3）

(figuratively) To maintain silence and secrecy in the face of some external threat.

However, the charges that the police closed ranks to protect Godber find a parallel in Wong's hearings.

Google Translation / DeepL Translation

Details

closes ranks

（ present singular third-person ）

closing ranks

（ participle present ）

closed ranks

（ participle past ）

closed ranks

（ past ）

Details

close ranks

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close ranks

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