noun

gauntlet

GAWNT-luht

noun

A heavy protective glove, historically part of a suit of armour, traditionally thrown down as a challenge to fight (as in "throw down the gauntlet").

"The knight threw down his gauntlet to challenge his rival."

A long glove that covers part of the forearm, worn for protection in sports or work.

"The falconer wore a leather gauntlet to protect his arm."

A difficult or punishing ordeal one must get through, especially a barrage of criticism, obstacles, or attacks (as in "run the gauntlet").

"New recruits had to run the gauntlet of tough questions from reporters."

"She ran the gauntlet of angry fans on her way out of the stadium."

How to Use Gauntlet

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEither an armoured glove, or — more commonly today — a tough ordeal or gauntlet of criticism/obstacles you have to push through.

Common mistake

The phrase is "run the gauntlet," not "run the gamut" — gamut refers to a full range (of emotions, colours, etc.), a completely different expression.

Easily confused with

gamut

Common pairings

throw down the gauntlet run the gauntlet pick up the gauntlet

gauntlets plural, gauntlets plural

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Can you complete this real example?

The knight threw down his _____ to challenge his rival.

From Old French gantelet, a diminutive of gant ("glove"), tracing back to a Frankish word for glove or mitten.