gauntlet
/ˈɡɔːntlət/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡɔːntlət/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgȯnt-lət ˈgänt-/ (ame, mw)
gauntlet — noun
- gauntletsingular
- gauntletsplural
1. a difficult experience in which someone faces attacks, criticism, or danger agai
a difficult experience in which someone faces attacks, criticism, or danger again and again from many sides.
Layla had to run the gauntlet of reporters before reaching the courthouse door.
run the gauntlet of + people
Commuters run the gauntlet of loud salespeople outside the station each night.
New teachers often face a gauntlet of questions at the first parent meeting.
Before the final vote, the minister faced a gauntlet of hostile interviews about the bill.
文法句型
run the gauntlet of + people/criticism/questions
face a gauntlet of + attacks or problems
go through a gauntlet of + pressure
用法筆記
Most common in run the gauntlet or in patterns with 'of' followed by critics, questions, or dangers. Distinguish from sense 2: sense 1 is the hard experience itself, not the challenge that starts it.
常見錯誤
2. a public challenge that dares someone to fight, compete, or prove they can answe
a public challenge that dares someone to fight, compete, or prove they can answer back.
On live television, Jack threw down the gauntlet and demanded a final debate.
throw down the gauntlet
After the criticism, Élise took up the gauntlet and entered the race herself.
take up the gauntlet
The union's deadline felt like a gauntlet to factory owners across the city.
By naming her rival directly, Padma threw down the gauntlet before the vote.
- challenge
the broad everyday word, without the dramatic image of gauntlet
- dare
often sounds more direct, personal, and informal
- provocation
stresses the act of trying to force a response
文法句型
throw down the gauntlet
take up the gauntlet
a gauntlet to + rival or opponent
用法筆記
This sense is strongly tied to fixed phrases such as 'throw down the gauntlet' and 'take up the gauntlet'. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 is the act of challenging, while sense 1 is the pressure or attack someone must endure.
常見錯誤
3. a long glove worn to shield your hand and lower arm during armour, riding, or he
a long glove worn to shield your hand and lower arm during armour, riding, or heavy work.
Nkechi pulled on a leather gauntlet before holding the frightened hawk.
pull on a leather gauntlet
The welder wore gauntlets so sparks would not burn his wrists.
wear gauntlets for protection
At the museum, Yumi pointed to a steel gauntlet beside the knight's helmet.
The rider tightened her gauntlet before guiding the horse through the gate.
- glove
a much broader word that does not imply extra length or protection
- protective glove
clear modern phrase for the safety function
- armored glove
used when the gauntlet is part of metal armour
文法句型
wear a gauntlet
pull on a gauntlet
leather or steel gauntlet
用法筆記
This is the literal object, not the figurative challenge or ordeal. It often refers to armour, riding equipment, or thick work gloves that cover the wrist and part of the arm.