protect *someone / keep *someone safe / keeping *someone safe / cover / cover *someone / protection

give protection / protect

defend / safeguard / shield / protect

defend / safeguard / shield / protection / protect

guarding / guard / protection / keeping *something safe / keep *something safe / protect

defend / act on the defensive

use / apply / practical use / make use of / applying / put *something to practical use / utilizing / putting *something to practical use / utilize / using / application / making use of / utilization

apply [a rule] to [a case] / make application of

brag / talking big / pride oneself on / take pride in / be proud of / make a boast of / be boastful of / be vain of / boast of / boast / brag about / brag of / pride / talk big / vanity / self-praise / self-conceit / bragging

be triumphant / be flushed with victory