throw down the gauntlet
Meaning: To challenge someone to fight or argue.
Language: English
Literally: (Already vivid in English)
Category: Daily Life
Origin: A gauntlet is a glove from a suit of armor. The expression originates from a medieval custom of throwing down one's gauntlet as a way of challenging an enemy to a fight. One accepted the challenge by picking up the gauntlet.
More idioms — Daily Life
- throw the book at someone — To give someone the harshest penalty or punishment allowed by law, or to impose any sever…
- throw one's hat into the ring — To announce one's candidacy for elected office.
- tickle someone's fancy — To please or amuse someone in a light-hearted way.
- tickled pink — Thoroughly pleased; very happy.
- tied to one's mother's apron strings — Emotionally or physically attached to one's mother beyond what is considered appropriate…
- tie the knot — To get married.
More English idioms
- tighten one's belt — To spend less money than one did previously.
- have time on one's hands — To have free time with nothing to do.
- have time to kill — To have a period of time to pass while waiting for some future event.
- just the tip of the iceberg — The smallest, evident part of something that is much greater but hidden from view; more t…
- tit for tat — An action in exchange for another equal action.
- to beat the band — In an exaggerated manner; with a lot of effort or to the extreme.
Loading the full interactive collection…