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run the gauntlet |
Also found in: Wikipedia | 0.04 sec. |
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run the gauntlet 1. Lit. to race, as a punishment, between parallel lines of men who thrash one as one runs. The knight was forced to doff his clothes and run the gauntlet. 2. and run the gauntlet of something Fig. to endure a series of problems, threats, or criticism. After the play, the director found himself running the gauntlet of questions and doubts about his ability. run the gauntlet to have to deal with a lot of people who are criticizing or attacking you (usually + of ) The minister had to run the gauntlet of anti-nuclear protesters when he arrived at the plant. 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) How to thank TFD for its existence? Tell a friend about us, add a link to this page, add the site to iGoogle, or visit webmaster's page for free fun content. |
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By one speaker it was proposed that he be disembowelled, by another that he be made to run the gauntlet. I observed that the vitals of the village were the grocery, the bar-room, the post-office, and the bank; and, as a necessary part of the machinery, they kept a bell, a big gun, and a fire-engine, at convenient places; and the houses were so arranged as to make the most of mankind, in lanes and fronting one another, so that every traveller had to run the gauntlet, and every man, woman, and child might get a lick at him. After I had run the gauntlet of the begging children, and was just out of ear- shot of the group, I turned round to survey it from a distance. |
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