Definition & Meaning of "Throw down the gauntlet"

throw down the gauntlet

/θɹˈəʊ dˌaʊn ðə ɡˈɔːntlət/

/θɹˈoʊ dˌaʊn ðə ɡˈɔːntlət/

to throw down the gauntlet

PHRASE

to challenge someone to a fight or competition

to [throw] down the gauntlet definition and meaning

What is the origin of the idiom "make a go of something" and when to use it?

The idiom "throw down the gauntlet" dates back to medieval times, where a knight would throw down his metal gauntlet as a challenge to a duel. Today, the phrase is often used more figuratively to refer to any situation where a challenge is issued in a bold or confrontational manner.