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

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