threw down the gauntlet
Demanded a duel
To throw down the gauntlet is to issue a challenge or provocation, inviting confrontation.
The phrase comes from the medieval practice of literally throwing down an armored glove to challenge someone to combat.
Modern use is almost always figurative: She threw down the gauntlet by publicly questioning the CEO's judgment.
The challenged party may pick up the gauntlet by accepting.
- call to armsUrgent summons to fight
- pick a fightIntentionally provoke a quarrel
- put up a fightOffer active opposition
- declaration of intentFormal statement of purpose
- joustMounted lance combat
cross swords · sword fight · rivalry · chivalry · confrontation · rise to the occasion · provocation · draw a line in the sand · defiance · stake a claim · take a stand · heraldry · dispute · business rivalry · feudalism · competition · opposition · antagonism
threw down the gauntletbacked down
Retreated from a position
backed away · retreated · walked away · shied away · sidestepped
threw down the gauntletsurrendered
Ceased resistance formally
capitulated · submitted · yielded · caved in · conceded
threw down the gauntletmade peace
Resolved a dispute
buried the hatchet · made amends · built bridges · de-escalated · poured oil on troubled waters
threw, throw, throws, thrown, throwing, thrower, downer, downed, downing