gantlets
Track overlap sections
Gantlets is the plural of gantlet, a word with two distinct meanings.
A gantlet is a protective glove, especially the armored kind worn with medieval plate armor—also spelled gauntlet.
To throw down the gantlet is to issue a challenge; to take it up is to accept one.
Separately, a gantlet is an ordeal in which someone passes between two rows of people who strike at them: The prisoner was forced to run the gantlet.
This sense is also spelled gauntlet, and the figurative extension—enduring criticism or hostility from multiple sources—appears frequently: New employees run a gantlet of paperwork and orientations.
Test of ability
- trialJudicial examination of claims
- testEvaluative examination
- crucibleVessel for extreme heat
- hardshipSuffering from difficult circumstances
tribulation · endurance · survival · adversity · baptism by fire · rite of passage · initiation · proving ground
Fitted hand covering
- handwearClothing for hands
- mailPostal system items
- plateFlat dish for food
- chainmailArmor of linked rings
protection · medieval · knight · joust · duel · combat · swordplay · lance
Planned path forward
- hurdlesFrames jumped in races
- barriersThings blocking access
- wallsVertical enclosing structures
- ropesBraided flexible cords
mud · water · tires · military training · boot camp · fitness challenge · crawl · climb
Beating as punishment
- beatingRepeated striking or pulsing
- lashingBeating or binding
- whippingRepeated striking blows
- disciplineTrained self-control or specialty
flagellation · corporal punishment · birching · caning · scourge · cat-o'-nine-tails · retribution · chastisement
Path or monitored route
- overlapPartial coincidence of coverage
- switchCircuit-breaking toggle device
- junctionPoint where things meet
- crossingPoint where paths intersect
rail · interlocking · yard · siding · turnout · double track · rail gauge · convergence
challenge
Test of ability
hardship · tribulation · endurance · survival · adversity · baptism by fire · rite of passage · initiation · proving ground · obstacle course
glove
Fitted hand covering
chainmail · protection · medieval · knight · joust · duel · combat · swordplay · lance · horseback
course
Planned path forward
ropes · mud · water · tires · military training · boot camp · fitness challenge · crawl · climb · sprint
flogging
Beating as punishment
discipline · flagellation · corporal punishment · birching · caning · scourge · cat-o'-nine-tails · retribution · chastisement · thrashing
track
Path or monitored route
- overlapPartial coincidence of coverage
- switchCircuit-breaking toggle device
- junctionPoint where things meet
crossing · rail · interlocking · yard · siding · turnout · double track · rail gauge · convergence
gantletssafe passage
Protected transit through danger
free passage · warm welcome · honor guard · easy path · red carpet