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Region: General | Usage example: She threw down the gauntlet and dared the team to beat their numbers.

Throw down the gauntlet

Meaning

Issue a direct challenge.

Usage

Used when someone wants a bold competition.

Origin & History

Origins and dates here are approximate summaries. Many idioms have disputed or unknown origins, and not every date has been checked against a historical dictionary, so treat specific dates and stories as a starting point rather than a citation.

Knights would literally throw a gauntlet to challenge another.

Used since medieval times in chivalric tales.

Related Idioms

Throw in the towel

To concede defeat or admit a struggle isn't worth continuing.

Down to the wire

Until the very last moment.

Caught with your pants down

Surprised while unprepared.

More Idioms

Break the ice

To do or say something to relieve tension or get conversation going in a social situation.

Cut to the chase

Skip ahead to the most important or exciting part of something.

The ball is in your court

It is now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Barking up the wrong tree

Accusing or pursuing the wrong person/idea; making a false assumption.