gauntlet : Idioms & Phrases
pick up the gauntlet
-
verb be dared to do something and attempt it
take a dare.
WordNet
To take up the gauntlet
- to accept a challenge.
Webster 1913
To throw down the gauntlet
- to offer or send a challenge. The gauntlet or glove was thrown down by the knight challenging, and was taken up by the one who accepted the challenge; hence the phrases.