Idiom: To Close Ranks
The idiom "to close ranks" refers to a group of people becoming united or banding together, typically to defend themselves or their shared interests against criticism or attack.
Meaning Analysis
Let's examine the given options:
- Option 1: To engage in fierce competition - This is incorrect. Closing ranks implies unity, not competition.
- Option 2: To stop communicating with one's colleagues - This is incorrect. It suggests isolation, the opposite of uniting.
- Option 3: To stop hiring people for new jobs - This is incorrect. It relates to employment policy, not group defense.
- Option 4: To unite in order to defend a common interest - This correctly captures the meaning of "to close ranks". It emphasizes solidarity and mutual defense of shared goals or principles.
Conclusion
The phrase "to close ranks" means that a group becomes united to protect themselves or their common interests.
Similar Questions
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Important Questions from Idioms and Phrases
Select the INCORRECTLY spelt word.
Select the option that will improve the underlined part of the given sentence. In case no improvement is needed, select ‘No improvement’.
Since my friend was not feeling well, she asked me to come over and take care of her.Select the most appropriate idiom to fill in the blank.
Mala __________ by cheating on the exam to win her bet with Priya.Select the most appropriate meaning of the given idiom.
Where the shoe pinchesWhat does it imply when people say to ‘read between the lines’?
