(gauntlets)
1.
Gauntlets are long, thick, protective gloves.
...a pair of black leather driving gauntlets.
N-COUNT: usu pl
2.
If you pick up the gauntlet or take up the gauntlet, you accept the challenge that someone has made.
She picked up the gauntlet in her incisive Keynote Address to the Conference...
Whoever decides to take up the gauntlet and challenge the Prime Minister will have a tough battle.
PHRASE: V inflects
3.
If you run the gauntlet, you go through an unpleasant experience in which a lot of people criticize or attack you.
The trucks tried to drive to the British base, running the gauntlet of marauding bands of gunmen.
PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR of n
4.
If you throw down the gauntlet to someone, you say or do something that challenges them to argue or compete with you.
Luxury car firm Jaguar has thrown down the gauntlet to competitors by giving the best guarantee on the market.
PHRASE: V inflects, oft PHR to n