Fig: getting ready to defend someone or something against outsiders or against adversity

They are good at circling the wagons to protect themselves from the likes of you

Sono bravi a fare quadrato per proteggersi da quelli come voi

The fellow party members closed ranks around the Prime Minister to try and solve the cabinet crisis

I compagni di partito hanno fatto quadrato attorno al primo ministro per tentare di risolvere la crisi di governo

The phrase is derived from a practice of the early pioneers of the Western U.S. The pioneers traveled from the East in covered wagons, packed with all their belongings, and pulled by oxen or horses. They formed a caravan and traveled in small groups in a long line. At night, when they stopped to rest, the pioneers would draw up the wagons in a circle. Inside the circle was a fire, companionship, and safety. Outside the circle were wild animals, unfriendly strangers, and the unknown enemy