throwing down the gauntlet
Demanding a confrontation
Throwing down the gauntlet is issuing a challenge or provocation.
The phrase comes from the medieval practice of literally throwing down an armored glove to challenge someone to combat.
Now entirely figurative: The senator threw down the gauntlet by demanding a public debate.
The challenge is usually direct and impossible to ignore.
- opponentOne who contends against
- knightHonored mounted soldier
- dareChallenge to act boldly
- call to armsUrgent summons to fight
- fight meProvocative combat challenge
defiance · throwing shade · assertion · ultimatum · line in the sand · challenge · confrontation · face off · provocation · adversary · chivalry · duel · proclamation · boldness · glove · medieval · dispute · armor
throwing down the gauntletbacking down
Withdrawing from a stance
backing away · retreating · turning tail · running away · shying away
throwing down the gauntletsurrendering
Ceasing to resist
capitulating · yielding · giving in · crying uncle · raising the white flag
throwing down the gauntletmaking peace
Ending hostilities between parties
burying the hatchet · building bridges · capitulating · making amends · mending fences
throws, thrown, thrower, downer, downed, downing, gauntlet, gauntlets