pick up the gauntlet
Definition
- Verb phrase:
- To accept a challenge or dare: This phrase means to respond to a challenge, provocation, or call to action by showing a willingness to confront it or compete. It implies taking on a difficult task or confrontation that someone else has presented.
Usage
This phrase is used to describe the act of accepting a difficult challenge, often one that involves competition, debate, or confrontation. It is typically used in formal or literary contexts. - It is often used in the context of debates, competitions, or conflicts where one party issues a challenge. - The phrase can be used in both literal (historical/ceremonial) and figurative senses.
Examples
- Verb phrase:
- After the rival company criticized our product, our CEO picked up the gauntlet and announced a direct comparison test.
- The young chess champion picked up the gauntlet thrown down by the world number one and agreed to a match.
Advanced Usage
- "to take up the gauntlet": This is a common variant with the same meaning.
- The senator took up the gauntlet and vowed to fight the proposed legislation.
Variants and Related Words
- Throw down the gauntlet (verb phrase): To issue a challenge.
- By questioning their research, he effectively threw down the gauntlet.
Synonyms
- Accept a challenge: To agree to take on a difficult task proposed by another.
- Rise to the challenge: To respond effectively to a difficult situation or dare.
Related Idioms
- Take the bait: To react to a provocation or temptation, often leading to a disadvantage. (Note: This has a more negative connotation of being tricked, whereas "pick up the gauntlet" implies a dignified acceptance of an open challenge.)
Verb
-
be dared to do something and attempt it
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