When people gather in a tight circle and speak in low tones, this is commonly known as being "in a huddle." There are several synonyms for this phrase, depending on the context and tone of the gathering. For sports teams, a huddle may be called a "team meeting," "strategy session" or "pep talk." In a business setting, it may be referred to as a "conference," "meeting," or "briefing." In more casual settings, people may simply say they are "gathering" or "having a chat." Overall, the phrase "in a huddle" conveys a sense of intimacy or secrecy, reflecting the closed nature of the gathering.