1 B2 idiomatic neutral
To express or show support for a person, plan, or cause, often as part of a group.
"Members of the opposition lined up behind the new leader after the vote."
inseparable
line up behind
B2 neutral inseparable transitive
To give one's support to a person, plan, or cause, especially in a group or organised way.
In plain English
To join others in supporting someone or something.
What does "line up behind" mean?
One main meaning — here's how to use it.
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
To physically position oneself in a line behind someone — the figurative sense of support is an extension of this image.
Actually means
To join others in supporting someone or something.
Usage tip
Frequently used in political and business reporting to describe collective endorsement or support. The image is of people physically lining up behind a leader. Common in journalism and public affairs discourse.
Words that pair with "line up behind"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
candidate leader policy plan proposal cause party
How to conjugate "line up behind"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
line up behind
I/you/we/they
3rd person
lines up behind
he/she/it
Past simple
lined up behind
yesterday
Past participle
lined up behind
have + pp
-ing form
lining up behind
continuous
Hear "line up behind" in the wild
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Other ways to say "line up behind"
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