gauntlet

pick/take up the gauntlet

throw down the gauntlet - to invite someone to argue, fight, or compete with you. He challenged me to a game of squash last week and I'm thinking I might just take up the gauntlet.

See also: pick, take

run the gauntlet

to have to deal with a lot of people who are criticizing or attacking you. The minister had to run the gauntlet of anti-nuclear protesters when he arrived at the plant. (usually + of)

See also: run

throw down the gauntlet

to invite someone to argue, fight, or compete with you. A price war could break out in the High Street after a leading supermarket threw down the gauntlet to its competitors.

See also: down, throw

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run the gauntlet

1. to experience severe criticism or great difficulties. Every idea that is presented must run the gauntlet of the Review Committee, and such reviews are never pleasant.

2. to have to move by a line or group people trying to get your attention. Before you get to the beach, you have run the gauntlet of shouting souvenir sellers and dirty snack bars.

Usage notes: sometimes spelled gantlet

Etymology: based on the old-fashioned military meaning of run the gauntlet (= to punish a soldier by forcing him to run between two lines of men who hit him as he goes by them)

See also: run