pick up the gauntlet

To accept or attempt a challenge or invitation, as to fight, argue, or compete. When it comes to civil rights issues, Mary is always eager to pick up the gauntlet. When the heavyweight champion boasted that nobody could beat him, no one expected this newcomer to pick up the gauntlet.

pick up the gauntlet

take up the gauntlet

If you pick up the gauntlet or take up the gauntlet, you accept a challenge. Note: Gauntlets are long thick gloves which protect your hands, wrists, and forearms. Carlton, a key member of the team, was happy to pick up the gauntlet thrown down by his rival.

See also: gauntlet, pick, up

Collins COBUILD Idioms Dictionary, 3rd ed. © HarperCollins Publishers 2012

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References in periodicals archive

So for a novice cyclist recovering from a life-threatening disease to pick up the gauntlet is to be applauded

Birmingham Post comment: Well done, Geoff

Silence is replete with useful charts, facts, and quotations for student activists and budding lawyers wishing to pick up the gauntlet where yesterday's resistance movement left off.

Silence at Boalt Hall: The Dismantling of Affirmative Action. (Books)

The BHB should pick up the gauntlet, but not alone.

Letters: Racing in the Dock: Proper policing vital for integrity; John Burke proposes a new security council

"Somebody should pick up the gauntlet and market the facility.

Head to head: North Bay's Airbase Property Corp. challenges the government and comes out a winner, creating a new industry in the North

He produced a tremendous performance in the heart of the Chelsea midfield to leave Curbishley wondering whether the rest of their title rivals are brave enough to pick up the gauntlet Jose Mourinho's superfit side have thrown down.

Football: Al: Chelsea have a team of supermen; CHARLTON 0 CHELSEA 2

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