throw down the gauntlet en · VERB
Pronunciation
- (US) audio
Etymology
From the late medieval custom symbolizing a challenge, in French jeter le gant which nowadays usually means to give up after having tried hard (leaving the challenge to any takers). The English phrase dates to the 1540s (figurative use by the 18th century).
Meanings
-
(idiomatic) To issue a challenge.
We might as well dispute with Dimock on a Coronation Day, as argue with these Writers. They strut, vapour, throw down the Gauntlet, and defy us to take it up.
1730, Caleb d' Anvers (Nicholas Amhurst), The Craftsman, volume 7, page 91:
Forms
| Spelling | Features | Labels | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| throw down the gantlet | alternative | lexicographic | |
| throws down the gauntlet | Number=Sing, Person=3, Tense=Pres | lexicographic | |
| thrown down the gauntlet | Tense=Past, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| throwing down the gauntlet | Tense=Pres, VerbForm=Part | lexicographic | |
| threw down the gauntlet | Tense=Past | lexicographic |
Deriveds
Relateds
take off one's gloves · take up the gauntlet · throw one's hat in the ring · gloves are off
Translations (12)
sv kasta handsken (issue a challenge) · pl rzucać rękawicę (issue a challenge) · cmn 挑戰 /挑战 (issue a challenge) · nl iemand uitdagen (issue a challenge) · ca llançar el guant (issue a challenge) · pl rzucić rękawicę (issue a challenge) · es arrojar el guante (issue a challenge) · de den Fehdehandschuh hinwerfen (issue a challenge) · fi heittää taisteluhansikas (issue a challenge) · id menantang (issue a challenge) · fr jeter le gant (issue a challenge) · id mengajukan tantangan (issue a challenge)