Where did throw down the gauntlet come from?

Where did throw down the gauntlet come from?

To throw down the gauntlet means to challenge. The term derives from the time of medieval knights when a knight would offer a challenge by throwing down his gauntlet (a metal glove which formed part of his suit of armour). The other knight accepted the challenge by picking up the gauntlet.

What is gauntlet slang for?

Be exposed to danger, criticism, or other adversity, as in After he was misquoted in the interview, he knew he would have to run the gauntlet of his colleagues’ anger.

What does it mean to take up the gauntlet?

: to show that one is willing and ready to fight, argue, or compete with someone or to do something that is difficult but necessary : to accept or respond to a challenge The time has come for Congress to pick up the gauntlet and do something about this problem.

What does a gauntlet symbolize?

A gauntlet is a glove covered in steel that was worn in suits of armor, but it also means punishment or, when “throwing down the gauntlet,” a challenge. Gauntlet comes from the Old French word for “glove,” which was thrown down as a symbol of a challenge.

Why do we say run the gauntlet?

go through an intimidating or dangerous crowd, place, or experience in order to reach a goal. This phrase alludes to the former military practice of punishing a wrongdoer by forcing him to run between two lines of men armed with sticks, who beat him as he passed.

What does throwing down a glove mean?

to challenge someone
: to say or show that one is ready to fight, argue, or compete with someone : to challenge someone The company threw down the gauntlet and told the union that this offer for a contract was final.

What is passing the torch?

Definition of pass the torch (on) : to give one’s job, duties, etc., to another person He is retiring and passing the torch on to his successor. She says she’s ready to pass the torch.

What gauntlet means?

1 : a glove worn with medieval armor to protect the hand. 2 : any of various protective gloves used especially in industry. 3 : an open challenge (as to combat) —used in phrases like throw down the gauntlet. 4 : a dress glove extending above the wrist.

What does the idiom run the gauntlet mean?

What is considered a gauntlet?

A “gauntlet” is, and always has been” a type of glove. In medieval times, it was a chain mail glove. The confusion over the two similar-sounding words evolved from the medieval expression “throwing down the gauntlet” which meant to issue a challenge vs. “running the gantlet”, which has already been explained.

What does passing the baton mean?

Definition of passed the baton : to pass job and responsibility on to another The chef recently passed the baton to her young assistant.

What does it mean to torch someone?

If you say that someone is carrying a torch for someone else, you mean that they secretly admire them or love them.

What does the idiom to run the gauntlet mean?

What does pick up the gauntlet mean?

What does carry the torch mean?

be in love with someone
informal. to be in love with someone: Terry has been carrying a torch for Liz for years, but she seems not to notice.

What does the slang term cat’s meow mean?

very appealing
Definition of the cat’s meow —used to say that someone or something is very appealing I really like that car; it’s the cat’s meow.