1 B1 idiomatic neutral
To gather to support someone in difficulty, offering help, comfort, or solidarity.
"When Jim lost his job, his friends all rallied round and helped him find new opportunities."
inseparable
rally round
B1 neutral inseparable transitive/intransitive
To come together to help or support someone who is in trouble or facing difficulty.
In plain English
When friends, family, or a community all help someone who is going through a hard time.
What does "rally round" mean?
2 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B2 idiomatic neutral
To unite in support of a shared cause or leader, especially under pressure.
"The Cabinet rallied round the Prime Minister as the crisis deepened."
inseparable
Literal vs figurative
Words literally mean
Troops gathering in a circle around a point — historical military image of soldiers regrouping.
Actually means
When friends, family, or a community all help someone who is going through a hard time.
Usage tip
Primarily British English. 'Rally round' is particularly common in community, family, and crisis contexts. Often implies both emotional support and practical help. Can be used without an object ('everyone rallied round') or with one ('they rallied round her').
Words that pair with "rally round"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
family friends community neighbours team colleagues
How to conjugate "rally round"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
rally round
I/you/we/they
3rd person
rallies round
he/she/it
Past simple
rallied round
yesterday
Past participle
rallied round
have + pp
-ing form
rallying round
continuous
Hear "rally round" in the wild
Listen to native speakers using "rally round" in real YouTube videos — click a clip to watch it on Looplines.
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