throw down the gauntlet
Demand a duel
To throw down the gauntlet is to issue a challenge or provocation.
The phrase comes from the medieval custom of throwing an armored glove to the ground to challenge someone to combat.
Now entirely figurative: The senator threw down the gauntlet, daring her opponent to debate.
To pick up the gauntlet is to accept such a challenge.
- take onAccept or confront
- dareChallenge to act boldly
- provokeIncite a response
- pick a fightIntentionally provoke a quarrel
- defyResist or challenge openly
stand up to · confront · make a stand · honor code · challenge · duel · glove · call out · rivalry · jousting · ultimatum · brave · chivalry · ask for trouble · declaration · contest · rise to the occasion · step up to the plate
throw down the gauntletmake peace
Resolve conflict between parties
bury the hatchet · wave the white flag · make amends · build bridges · turn the other cheek
throw, throws, thrown, throwing, thrower, downer, downed, downing, gauntlet