throw down the gauntlet

Idioms  

1. Declare or issue a challenge, as in The senator threw down the gauntlet on the abortion issue. This expression alludes to the medieval practice of a knight throwing down his gauntlet, or metal glove, as a challenge to combat. Its figurative use dates from the second half of the 1700s, as does the less frequently heard take up the gauntlet, for accepting a challenge.

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

throw down the gauntlet

If anyone thought the Kings were hoping to stare across the ice, look the Oilers in the eyes and throw down the gauntlet, he wasn’t among them.

From Los Angeles Times ● Dec. 28, 2024

With Liverpool playing later on Sunday, and defending champions Manchester City still behind them after dropping points against Crystal Palace, Arsenal had an opportunity to throw down the gauntlet to their rivals.

From BBC ● Dec. 17, 2023

After scoring the goal that sealed Manchester City’s progress to the semifinals, Phil Foden appeared to throw down the gauntlet to Paris Saint-Germain superstar Kylian Mbappe.

From Seattle Times ● Apr. 16, 2021

Richard Hunter, head of markets at interactive investor, says Tesco’s move “may also throw down the gauntlet to some of its blue chip rivals, resulting in some other companies potentially following suit.”

From The Guardian ● Dec. 2, 2020

He did not want to debate with himself whether he had the pluck to throw down the gauntlet to this fighting vaquero if the call had come to him.

From The Sheriff's Son by Raine, William MacLeod

Related Words

• cross swords