circling the wagons
Forming defensive perimeter
Circling the wagons means adopting a defensive posture against outside criticism or attack.
The image comes from American frontier mythology, where settlers supposedly arranged their covered wagons in a circle to fend off threats.
Now it describes any group closing ranks to protect itself: When the scandal broke, the administration started circling the wagons.
The phrase often implies prioritizing group loyalty over transparency.
- cordonEncircling line restricting access
- strategyPlanned approach to goals
- tribalismIn-group loyalty, out-group hostility
- spin controlStrategic presentation of events
- defenseProtection against harm
barricade · phalanx · perimeter · bunker mentality · protection · framing · self-preservation · close ranks · closing ranks · mutual support · groupthink · damage control · deflection · siege mentality · under attack · hunkering down · rallying · pulling together
circling the wagonsopening up
Becoming less guarded
standing down · disarming · throwing caution to the wind · demobilizing · coming out swinging
circling the wagonsrolling out the red carpet
Lavish formal reception
reaching out · building bridges · inclusive · transparent · airing dirty laundry
circling the wagonsevery man for himself
Chaotic self-interest declaration
cutting and running · abandoning ship · fleeing · capitulating · surrendering
circle, circled, circles, circular, circulate, circulation, circulatory, encircle, semicircle