gauntlet : Idioms & Phrases


pick up the gauntlet

  • verb be dared to do something and attempt it
    take a dare.
WordNet

To take up the gauntlet

  • to accept a challenge.
Webster 1913

To throw down the gauntlet

  • to offer or send a challenge. The gauntlet or glove was thrown down by the knight challenging, and was taken up by the one who accepted the challenge; hence the phrases.
Webster 1913