How to Pronounce "throw down the gauntlet"
expression
ˈθɹoʊ/ /ˈdaʊn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɡɔntɫət
THROH DOWN thuh GAWNT-luht
θɹˈəʊ/ /dˈaʊn/ /ðə, ði/ /ɡˈɔːntlət
thruh-OH down thuh GAWNT-luht
Definition
To challenge someone to compete or fight, usually in a direct, bold way. It comes from the medieval tradition of throwing down a glove (gauntlet) to start a duel.
IPA Transcription
American English
ˈθɹoʊ/ /ˈdaʊn/ /ˈðə/, /ðə/, /ði/ /ˈɡɔntɫət
British English
θɹˈəʊ/ /dˈaʊn/ /ðə, ði/ /ɡˈɔːntlət
Simplified Pronunciation
US
THROH DOWN thuh GAWNT-luht
UK
thruh-OH down thuh GAWNT-luht
Listen in Context
The president threw down the gauntlet to other countries on climate change.
She threw down the gauntlet by saying she could do it better.
The new team threw down the gauntlet at their first match.
By refusing the deal, the company basically threw down the gauntlet.