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What does "Throw down the gauntlet" mean?
To challenge someone to a confrontation or contest.
When do you use "Throw down the gauntlet"?
This phrase is appropriate when you want to indicate that someone is issuing a challenge or provoking someone else to take action, especially in competitive situations or disputes.
"Throw down the gauntlet" Usage Examples
- After hearing the criticism, she decided to throw down the gauntlet and challenge her opponents to a debate.
- The company threw down the gauntlet by announcing a new product that directly competes with their rival's best-selling item.
- When he claimed he could run a marathon faster than anyone in the group, he effectively threw down the gauntlet.
- The coach threw down the gauntlet, insisting that only the best players would make the final team.
- In his speech, the politician threw down the gauntlet to his opponents, daring them to match his proposals.
"Throw down the gauntlet" Explained
The phrase originates from the medieval practice of knights throwing down their gauntlets (gloves) as a formal challenge to duel. The act symbolized a willingness to engage in combat, and picking up the gauntlet signified acceptance of the challenge.