gauntlet

/ˈɡɔːntlət/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡɔːntlət/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈgȯnt-lət ˈgänt-/ (ame, mw)

gauntlet — 名詞

  • gauntletsingular
  • gauntletsplural

1. a difficult experience in which someone faces attacks, criticism, or danger agai

1.名詞C1
釋義

考驗；圍攻

接連面對攻擊或壓力

a difficult experience in which someone faces attacks, criticism, or danger again and again from many sides.

例句

Layla had to run the gauntlet of reporters before reaching the courthouse door.

Layla 到法院門口前，得先闖過記者的圍攻。

run the gauntlet of + people

Commuters run the gauntlet of loud salespeople outside the station each night.

通勤族每晚都得穿過車站外大聲推銷員的圍攻。

同義詞
  • ordeal

    a broad word for a very hard experience, without the image of attacks from many sides

  • trial

    more formal and often less vivid than gauntlet

  • barrage

    focuses on the attack or criticism itself rather than the whole experience

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

❌She ran the gauntlet from reporters.
✅She ran the gauntlet of reporters.
💡This fixed pattern normally uses 'of' after the phrase.

2. a public challenge that dares someone to fight, compete, or prove they can answe

2.名詞C1
釋義

戰帖；挑戰

公開要你應戰的挑釁

a public challenge that dares someone to fight, compete, or prove they can answer back.

例句

On live television, Jack threw down the gauntlet and demanded a final debate.

Jack 在現場直播中下了戰帖，要求最後一場辯論。

throw down the gauntlet

After the criticism, Élise took up the gauntlet and entered the race herself.

受到批評後，Élise 接下這張戰帖，自己投入選戰。

take up the gauntlet

同義詞
  • 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

❌He took the gauntlet down.
✅He took up the gauntlet.
💡The usual fixed phrase is 'take up the gauntlet' when accepting a challenge.

3. a long glove worn to shield your hand and lower arm during armour, riding, or he

3.名詞C2
釋義

護臂手套

保護手與前臂的長手套

a long glove worn to shield your hand and lower arm during armour, riding, or heavy work.

例句

Nkechi pulled on a leather gauntlet before holding the frightened hawk.

Nkechi 在抓住受驚的鷹前，先套上一只皮製護臂手套。

pull on a leather gauntlet

The welder wore gauntlets so sparks would not burn his wrists.

那名焊工戴著護臂手套，好讓火花不會燙傷手腕。

wear gauntlets for protection

同義詞
  • 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.

常見錯誤

❌The knight wore a gauntlet on both hand.
✅The knight wore gauntlets on both hands.
💡Use the plural when talking about the pair.