throw down the gauntlet

Meaning

To issue a challenge.

Synonyms

challenge

dare

invite

provoke

summon

tackle

take up

fling down

contend for

Translations

jeter le gant

ρίχνω το γάντι

défier

provoquer

rivaliser

envoyer son gantelet

iemand uitdagen

πετάω το γάντι

arrojar el guante

Etymology

Cognate with French: jeter le gant

In summary

From the late medieval custom symbolizing a challenge, in French jeter le gant which nowadays usually means to give up after having tried hard (leaving the challenge to any takers). The English phrase dates to the 1540s (figurative use by the 18th century).