circle the wagons

To "circle the wagons" means to unite with a group to defend common interests, usually in the face of an external threat or criticism. The idiom originated in the 19th-century American West, referring to a defensive tactic used by travelers in covered wagon trains. When under attack—historically by Indigenous peoples defending their land—settlers would arrange their wagons into a circle to create a makeshift fortification and corral for livestock.

While many speakers use the phrase metaphorically in business, politics, or sports to simply denote defensive solidarity, others find the term exclusionary and insensitive. Critics argue that the idiom romanticizes settler colonialism and explicitly centers the settler perspective, reinforcing a narrative where Indigenous people are cast as the hostile "other" or enemy. Consequently, many inclusive language guides suggest avoiding the term to respect Indigenous histories and avoid invoking violent colonial imagery.

Example:

"Facing a hostile takeover bid, the board of directors decided to circle the wagons and reject all outside offers."

"The political party began circling the wagons around the candidate despite the controversy."