circle the wagons en · VERB
Pronunciation
- (Australia) audio
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.
Meanings
- To draw a wagon train into a circle to allow the wagons to provide cover when under attack.
- (idiomatic) To prepare to defend against an attack or criticism.
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| circle one's wagons | alternative | lexicographic | |
| circling the wagons | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| circles the wagons | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| circled the wagons | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| circled the wagons | Tense=Past | lexicographic |