close ranks

• Just as we fight hard when the stakes are high , we close ranks and come together when the contest is done
  这就是美国，正象当两方势均力敌达到顶点的时候，我们猛烈的交战，而当竞赛结束以后，我们又靠近双方的阵营，走到一起来一样。
• Although the family quarrelled a good deal among themselves , they quickly close ranks against any outsiders who criticized or tried to make trouble for one of them
  虽然这家人内部吵个不停，但如果人对其某一成员批评或找麻烦时，他们又会很快抱成一团反对外人。