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rally behind

B1 neutral inseparable transitive

To unite as a group in support of a leader, cause, or idea.

In plain English

When many people decide together to support someone or something important.

What does "rally behind" mean?

2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.

1 B1 idiomatic neutral

To give collective support to a leader, candidate, or cause, especially in a difficult moment.

"Members of the party rallied behind their leader despite calls for his resignation."

Democrats rallied behind Biden after his Super Tuesday victories.

— CNN, March 2020
inseparable
2 B1 idiomatic neutral

To unite in collective support of a shared goal or team.

"The fans rallied behind their team after an embarrassing first-round defeat."

inseparable

Literal vs figurative

Words literally mean

Troops or supporters gathering and moving in formation behind a leader.

Actually means

When many people decide together to support someone or something important.

Usage tip

Common in political, sports, and social movement contexts. The 'behind' particle suggests a positional metaphor of standing behind a leader. Often used in journalism. More directional in feel than 'rally around.'

Words that pair with "rally behind"

Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.

candidate leader cause team party flag

How to conjugate "rally behind"

The five tense forms you'll use most often.

Base
rally behind
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rallies behind
he/she/it
Past simple
rallied behind
yesterday
Past participle
rallied behind
have + pp
-ing form
rallying behind
continuous

Hear "rally behind" in the wild

Listen to native speakers using "rally behind" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.

Keep exploring

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